In 2008, in a TT, I broke my neck in 2 places and as a result can only race on a recumbent. I know some Tris allow recumbents. Does anyone have list of tris that allow recumbents? Or can anyone point me to such a list?
Thank you.
Sorry about your accident - but if the race is a USAT sanctioned race - then recumbents are not legal under current rules.
Good luck in your search.
Feman,
Thanks for the response. I see 2 options. 1) getting a waiver from the Head Referee (pls see USAT rules below) or 2) Some races like the Issaquah Tri allow recumbents.
5.12 Untraditional or Unusual Bicycle Equipment. Any unusual bicycle construction or equipment to which the
specifications in Section 5.11 cannot easily be applied shall be illegal unless prior approval is received from the
Head Referee before the equipment is used in the event. Any violation of this Section shall result in disqualification.
In 2008, in a TT, I broke my neck in 2 places and as a result can only race on a recumbent. I know some Tris allow recumbents. Does anyone have list of tris that allow recumbents? Or can anyone point me to such a list?
Thank you.
I know that (in USAT sanctioned races) I’ve seen the RD allow wetsuits above 78 degrees with the understanding the athlete won’t be eligible for the podium. I’ve seen someone swim with a life jacket also, and assume that is the same deal.
I don’t see why they wouldn’t allow you the same consideration. Use the recumbant, but no podium finishes. And for the purposes of USAT rankings, they would report you as DQd.
What I would love to see, is an exemption whereby someone with a medical necessity can use the recumbant and still compete for a podium spot as long as your CdA is known to be no better than ‘x’ (something comparable to a TT bike).
USAT, rightly or wrongly, bans recumbants because they say they are unsafe, not because they are unfair. I’m not sure you will get a head referee to waive a safety rule.
USAT’s primary function is to insure events. Regulating equipment choices is a necessary evil.
I was involved in administering a TT series a few years ago. We were insured by USA Cycling. We had a few folks ask about racing it on recumbents. According to USAC, ALL of the other competitors had to be off of the course for them to allow a recumbent to race. We had to say no because it simply wasn’t feasible given those restrictions.
Best of luck.
Having only seen these things running around the beach and never actually ridden one - what makes them “dangerous” to ride in a group? Do they handle poorly, or is it because they are so low and you might not seen them beside you? Or is it something else?
From an opeator stand point they would seem to be safer to a causal observer. Lower to the ground, CG is lower, etc. A spill would simply lay you out on your back, and a frontal crash would put you into an object feet first instead of head first.
Just curious.
Longer wheelbase- they aren’t as easy to maneuver in evasive situations. Recumbent riders can’t turn their heads to look back like a normal cyclist can- I’ve had several come over on me when there was nowhere near enough room for them.
Thanks for all the responses. I agree, recumbents are more difficult to start, stop and ride in a straight line. I learned to race crits and road races as well as TTs on a standard bike and I will learn how to ride my recumbent safely.
I appreciate it will be hard to convince a head referee to allow me in a Tri.
I know there are tris that allow recumbents and still would like some master list or link to all such tris.
Separately, ABR does allow recumbents to ride with standard bikes in TTs. Since riders start a minute apart and there are usually only a few recumbents it can be safe.
Thanks again.