Always interesting to read the pros point of view. Only question I have is how could you not expect a drafting penalty if you waited for your buddy and decided to work together? I know a few marshals, the calls they make are usually right on. Pack of 4 or 5? The guy on the front is ok, and one of the guys in behind will get nailed. Ride 10m back instead of 3 and you won't get called. Easy.

Still a 9:07 is pretty quick, even with a 4 minute drafting penalty. I hate you fast guys.

I waited because you benefit even if you are lined up legal. And we were, who said anything about 3 meters. We were lined up, we were all about the same being 6-7 meters apart. Now I don't have a meter with me , so you are right 10m would have been alot saver, but the rules are there .

If you can drive 65 , you won't go only 55 just to be safe not to be ticketed for speeding also ? right.

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http://www.wimdedoncker.be

As far as I am concerned (ok, I dnfed but it's not the point)...I rode with the guy that was 5th overall from km 30 to 70 where I dropped him (he caught me later when I flatted) and we always had a 20m gap at least. Never got closer. and he made a point of doing the same. we gave each other thumbs up for the implicit agreement.

I briefly rode with francois also after he flatted. He looked back a few times, did you think I broke the rules francois, there might be something wrong with my sight and estimating distances.

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http://www.wimdedoncker.be

when we rode together the distance was more than 10m. no doubt.
that said, at the start when I passed you and Thierry, the distance was shorter than the 7m....
however, to be honest, I went by quite fast and could only take a glimpse of what was going on...I know that during the race I thought 'hmmm...drafting' but after the race, realized that it was hard to evaluate.

Nice report, Wim. You guys (pros and top AG'ers) are amazing...3:13 marathon and it's "slow". Was the sprint finish they showed at the awards dinner you?

ok, thanks.

so conclusion better be save , then risk a penalty , since even the refs do not have a meter, we - the athletes have to assure that there is no doubt in their minds. Some ref rule in favour of the athlete, some do not

like in soccer most refs rule in favor of the striker over the defender.

Indeed you were coming by fast....

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http://www.wimdedoncker.be

?? what sprint finish ? I was at the awards but can't remember one . so prob not :-) I hope when the finish video on ironmanlive is out you can see it. was pretty funny

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http://www.wimdedoncker.be

now go work on that bike position of yours... ;-)

funny, I heard it looked like you and your teamate were doing a two-up TT.

haha, make it a genuine team timetrial then with 5 guys like in the tour cause I was riding 3rd and Thierry was riding 5th. Oh and by the way he thinks like francois, better safe then , so he rode always at least 20m.

besides I don't cry about it. it happened and was an experience.
and you don't loose 4 minutes, cause I was allowed to take a piss, which otherwise I always do after a few miles on the run. If they really want it to be a sin bin, there should be NO toilets, NO drinks etc .....

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http://www.wimdedoncker.be

Simple solution (or not really simple). Install a laser range finder with a simple readout to a display on your handlebars.





With a wireless system to upload to a unit on the officials motorbike. USAT officials will need a PhD in complex math to evaluate. Results would be indisputable, like the EPO test.

I saw that sprint to the finish that you did - very impressive! Infact - I got it on video. I zoomed in on you after you fell after crossing the finish. That other guy was ahead of you but for some reason he slowed up just before hitting the tape. I think you broke the tape first, but the announcer said it was a tie. I didn't know anyone could sprint like that to finish an IM. Let me know if you want a copy of the video.

http://users.pandora.be/...w/srmdataflorida.htm

for the watt geeks ....

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http://www.wimdedoncker.be

"""Results would be indisputable, like the EPO test"""

Thats the funniest thing I've read anywhere today.

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Brian Stover USAT LII
Accelerate3 Coaching
Insta

http://liveupdate.ironmanlive.com/ppv/athlete.php?rid=61&bib=75

my sprint is up. They screwed up the time, so mine is under Kyle Marcot. Just click on the watch me finish bar and after 1'30" you can see me crash.

It felt a lot faster then it looks ....

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http://www.wimdedoncker.be