As many of you I have seen and read the growing concern of drafting and the joke the rule now resembles at IM events. As I view the footage of the front runners in the “pack” it could be quite easy to say that by their own actions they approve of or are at least willing to take full advantage of the drafting available. What I mean is that the only place you can not be is behind someone, where the draft would be in a straight headwind, and in the event of the more likely sidewind, the lead rider should ride all the way to side opposite of where the wind is blowing to dissallow the echelon effect (which is allowed because of a side by side appearance). I think they understand that concept and for the most part are compicit, otherwise they would “close the door” and ride at the edge (center of right). This would also make sense if you were at the front after the swim as all riders passing you would give you a few pedal strokes of relief as they go by. Just my thought, they love it and know it.
follow the letter of the law. the spirit doesn’t hold up.