mathematics wrote:
Ajax Bay wrote:
But the TRI Rules (2024) say 0.5 litre bladder only, on the back not the front.
We need to have a regime where an athlete can put their gels and ONE bottle picked up on course down their front (see Sanders or LCB at Oceanside 22). We can stop anything (other than a bladder of pint volume) being put down the front in T1 (by a ref stopping athletes at the dismount line with a threat of 'sort it or DQ').
These rules are fine, no issues. But they're clearer than the current rules. That's my issue. At a certain point it's going to need to be anything goes or nothing goes.
And the aid station bottles are usually those disposable pop top ones, easily foldable/bendable. There is definitely an optimal way to put that generic bottle into your kit.
The 2024 IRONMAN Rules have been published (wef 6 March) and the relevant section is:
5.01(m) Except as set forth below in Section 5.02(b) [actually IM may have wanted to refer to 5.03(b); below but it's not clear (5.02(b) refers to helmets)], additional equipment that has the effect of reducing wind resistance is prohibited during the bike segment of the Race (whether such equipment is worn under the athlete’s clothing, over the athlete’s
clothing, or is otherwise attached to the athlete's body or the athlete’s bike). This
includes, but is not limited to, (i) any bottles/hydration or any other insert located in
the front of an athlete’s race suit and (ii) any insert in an athlete’s calf sleeves; (DSQ)
5.03(b) Protective screens, fuselages, fairings, or any other devices or materials (including
duct tape) added or blended into the structure with the intent to reduce (or having
the effect of reducing) resistance to air penetration are prohibited. Aerodynamic
assemblies and protuberances on the head tube or elsewhere are prohibited; (DSQ)
This rule implies that temporary storage of a bottle in a pocket or down the front (see Sanders at Oceanside) will risk a DQ. And chucking outside a litter zone will mean DQ.