mcclelland wrote:
Just out of curiosity, for those that don't want body marking, why not (other than not washing out of your sleeves)? Seems like such a minor thing, why not just do it?
That's my approach unless I have a white upper on. After having one kit ruined, I will remove them before the race starts to avoid permanent damage. But I think we need to distinguish between two types of body marking to answer that question, your race number vs your age.
Race number markings:
1) Original purpose of markings has been replaced by chip timing.
2) Redundant to bike number, helmet number, and bib number.
3) Will permanently mark light colored tri-suits costing hundreds of dollars.
4) Evolution in gear from speedos to tri-kits to sleeved aero suits and in some cases full sleeve sun protection is creating a conflict.
Age markings:
1) People purposefully lie to deceive their competitors.
2) Calf sleeves and compression socks have eliminated area for marking. Remember when WTC tried to ban sleeves at Kona?
3) Combo of longer and more aero inseam lengths plus sleeves/socks leaves only behind the knee which smears easily.
4) Rolling starts and large age groups split into two or three waves defeat the idea of knowing where you stand ... assuming they aren't lying.
5) Age markings defeat the concept of racing to your fullest potential as opposed to only your age group.
