Drafting on a Bike? - Triathlon Week

Das · 07-02-2005, 04:47 PM

Hello,

I am trying to understand what is Drafting on a Bike?
I keep reading its illegal, but I am having trouble understanding what it is.
I just started riding, so this is all so new to me.
I use to just ride around in a cruiser, so a real cycling bike is a HUGE step for me, so I want to make sure I dont get disqualifed at a races for Drafting. I always see cyclist training together in a pack, is this better for training? Or can one train alone if they dont really know anyone yet- AKA me..although, I'm starting to befriend the people at the bike shop, where I keep going to touch up my second hand bike. :p And they have told me, when I get back from overseas, to join them on morning. Would this be ok for Trialothon purposes, even though they are cyclist? Is there much of a difference?

Any help will be greatly appreciated! Thanx
Das :bannana:

sfricks · 07-04-2005, 06:48 AM

Drafting on a bike is where one cyclist rides "down wind" from the lead cyclist(s). This is not always directly behind but to avoid confusion, lets discuss "behind" as a "pace line". When one rider rides behind another he saves a significant amount of energy. This is why riders ride in pace lines. The rider out front is "pulling" the riders behind who are resting. In an efficient pace line, riders will switch out riding in front and behind. This makes the progress of the entire group much faster. Drafting is legal in cycling road races. This is why you see your friends at the bike shop practicing this technique.

Triathlon is an individual endurance sport. Most races regard using a team technique (drafting) as cheating. USAT rules state:

"b) Definition of Drafting Zone. The term "drafting zone" shall refer to a rectangular area seven (7) meters long and two (2) meters wide surrounding each bicycle. The longer sides of the zone begin at the leading edge of the front wheel and run backward parallel to the bicycle; the front wheel divides the short side of the zone into two equal parts. With respect to a moving motor vehicle, the "drafting zone" is a rectangular area extending 15 meters to each side of the vehicle and 30 meters behind the vehicle."

In theory, if you are in this "zone" you run the risk of a penalty. If you do this too many times in a race, you may be disqualified. Reality is, in a sprint distance race it won't be marshalled well or applied with vigor.

Drafting easy to avoid. Just don't ride directly behind another rider in your Triathlon. Do, however, ride with your friend at the bike shop. Practicing in a group will make riding in crowds comfortable, improve your skills and my guess is improve your strength.

Have fun!

Das · 07-04-2005, 05:45 PM

Again,
Thank you so much. You explained it so much better tahn any other text or refrence that I have read thus far and i will take your advice. All I want to do is learn as much as possible, and have fun at the same time. Im realy excited to have ventured into this sport because I believe its something I can do for a long time. Plus, it will help me maintain a healthy lifestyle. I promise you, I will let you know how my first race goes and my first time riding in a pac with cycling friends.

Take care,
Das