First of all, I'm glad to see pro races generating so much discussion!
I've been hesitant to comment publicly on the issue of lead vehicle interference for a number of reasons. Only fellow pro athletes, those who follow the sport closely or those with some background in aerodynamics appreciate the severity and prevalence of this problem. Discussing this issue immediately following a race can come across as unsportsmanlike and unprofessional.
I've been on both ends of the vehicle advantage/disadvantage. As a relatively weaker swimmer and stronger cyclist, interference by vehicles has had an overwhelmingly negative effect on my racing. I'm confident that it has cost me fastest bike splits (and bonuses), if not higher finishes on more than one occasion. In the past at local races, I can point to some incredible power-speed relationships thanks to lead vehicles. The good news is that I believe that most Ironman races are very fair and problems with vehicles are the exception, not the norm.
I feel that Trevor's comments in his recent Slowtwitch interview were honest yet tactful. I couldn't resist adding a few statements and disclaimers:
-Tim is obviously a world class athlete, not to mention an athlete I like and admire. Lead vehicles impacting the race are not his problem and shouldn't cheapen his win
in any way. This is Ironman's and race directors' responsibility. I by no means wish to suggest that the outcome at Campeche would have been any different.
-Word has it that Tim has been working on his bike fitness and aerodynamics. That could quite conceivably account for a good deal of his dominance on the bike.
-Based on what I observed during the race and post-race discussions with other pros, I don't doubt that the motorcycles at the front of the race provided some advantage. How much, I can't say.
-I was fit and reasonably well rested in Campeche. I rode well and generally had a good day. I'd give myself an A- for overall execution.
-Unfortunately, I don't have power data since my head unit was stolen at the airport. My best guess is an average power a little over 300W, in line with my other good 70.3 races, based on fitness, perceived exertion and comparing numbers to other pros. Typically, when I've averaged over 300W, it's been enough to set 70.3 bike course records and outride all but a small group of uberbikers, especially when the field is fragmented into small groups like at Campeche.
-Trevor and Jordan are both very strong cyclists. Sometimes I outride them, sometimes they outride me. I consider us all in the same league of "strong cyclists" a rung below the uberbikers.
-Developing a better understanding of how lead vehicles can impact the pro race has dictated significant changes to my training and tactics.
-I've been corresponding with Ironman and other pros about this issue. I would like to see Ironman take stronger measures to ensure that the influence of vehicles on the pro race is minimized. I appreciate that it's a complex issue balancing factors like fairness, athlete safety and quality media coverage. One simple measure would be for Ironman to issue clear and quantitative guidelines for best practices for vehicles on the course to all race directors. These guidelines would then me passed on to every single driver (officials, police, media) at a briefing prior to every single race. In the meantime, I plan to raise this issue at pro briefings.
Anyways, I need to avoid getting drawn deeper into this discussion. Among other reasons, I need to focus on racing again in Galveston next weekend.
CodyBeals.com | Instagram | TikTok
ASICS | Ventum | Martin's | HED | VARLO | Shimano | 4iiii | Keystone Communications
