I thought I would open the discussion and although I liked the mass start of Kona in previous years a few times I had been caught up in the pack by Waikoloa that there was no way to get around and you were stuck in it until the climb to Hawi where it broke up. This year as a MOP swimmer in the 40-49 wave there was a constant line of cyclists pretty much all the way to Hawi but plenty of space and and no reason you couldn't slot in the line and keep your draft distance. The draft busters were in force where as before I think they were daunted to tackle the bunch as it was just too hard. As it turned a stronger headwind after Waikoloa people were drafting more so and the two guys in front of me both got shown a card and sent to the tent.

I don't know if anyone who raced would think any different but IMO it had to be done and made for a far better bike. Kudos to Ironman for the change.