Here's the pertinent section from the USA Cycling rulebook:

3E6. Rider Conduct.
(a) On an out-and-back course, riders shall stay to the right of the centerline or enforcement line at all times.
(b) No rider shall take pace behind another rider closer than 25 meters (80 feet) ahead or 2 meters (7 feet) to the side.
(c) No two riders may ride abreast other than when attempting to pass and such attempts shall not be maintained beyond a distance of 500 meters. If the pass is not made cleanly within 500 meters, the caught rider must drop back to a distance 25 meters behind the rider who caught him.

This is kind of a stupid question, but do they enforce the metric or imperial units? Because 25 meters is actually a hair over 82 feet and 2 meters just a little over 6.5 feet.

But I can enter the 80' draft zone to make a pass correct? Just like in triathlon as long as you execute the pass there is no drafting violation if you enter the draft zone and proceed to pass the rider ahead.

---

24 Hour World TT Champs-American record holder
Fat Bike Worlds - Race Director
Insta: chris.s.apex

>But I can enter the 80' draft zone to make a pass correct?

Yes.

No. If you get within 80', you must be at least 6' off to one side or the other. You may never enter the 80'x12' box.

you are doing a wisport event this weekend. usac rules do not technically apply. trying to slingshot off riders, however, is just asking for trouble

Actually the following as posted above is right on their website as well. I just didn't want to get in trouble or be unethical by slingshotting at times.

3E6. Rider Conduct.

(b) No rider shall take pace behind another rider closer than 25 meters (80 feet) ahead or 2 meters (7 feet) to the side.
(c) No two riders may ride abreast other than when attempting to pass and such attempts shall not be maintained beyond a distance of 500 meters. If the pass is not made cleanly within 500 meters, the caught rider must drop back to a distance 25 meters behind the rider who caught him.

---

24 Hour World TT Champs-American record holder
Fat Bike Worlds - Race Director
Insta: chris.s.apex

again, it is wisport, friendly folks, not egomaniacs

I've done a lot of open TT's. Drafting is never an issue like in an IM. Following the rule is easy and very much self enforced.

After about 10 years of doing TTs, I saw my first penalties this past weekend. 3 DQs. No warnings. No penalty. Straight to DQ. I would have expected a warning and a 2 minute penalty. Without disclosing more, it appears to have been flagrant, but the riders didn't agree.

So I have one poster telling me I can enter the draft and another I can't. I want to be aware of the rules, follow the rules. And go beyond that and follow them even better to have a safe and fun ride.

This is not my first Wisport event and they are great folks that put on a great and low key event.

---

24 Hour World TT Champs-American record holder
Fat Bike Worlds - Race Director
Insta: chris.s.apex

 I've done countless TT's and I (and everyone who has ever passed me) always "slingshot" when I pass. I just make sure I am at a significantly higher speed on approach and pass out of the draft zone quickly. If my catch is a lot slower or if I am yoyoing with the rider ahead I stay to the side much more. If you watch passes on the Tour they also slingshot in most cases. I think most officials are looking for stationary "sit in" drafting, that's all you need to worry about.

---

Professional Athlete: http://jordancheyne.wordpress.com/ http://www.strava.com/athletes/145340

Coaching Services:http://www.peakformcoaching.com/

The cat 1/2 field at Shenandoah?

Anyone know how much shenanigan was going on and who reported on whom?

Sorry echappist, but I don't tell names and stories. I've met one of the cyclists and know most of the officials. If what the officials said is true, then it was flagrant, even if it wasn't intentional.

That's all I'll say.

Again, my apologies.