TT technical rule question?

Triathlon Forum
1

2.4.018 A rider, upon catching up with another shall leave a lateral gap of at least 2 metres between himself
and the other rider.
After 1 km, the rider caught up shall ride at least 25 m away from the other.

Just trying to understand this rule- does the lateral gap mean I can not get within 2 meters of the rider when passing? Is this distance measured behind or beside the rider I am passing?? Option 1 - I’m just wondering if I’m legally allowed to ride up into the riders slipstream(getting as close as maybe 1 meter or 1.5 meters from his backwheel ) and then move around him to pass him without getting a violation?

OPTION 2- Or is the 2 meter lateral gap essentially a 2 meter bubble floating around the rider I am passing and I can never enter this bubble without breaking the rules?

Can anyone please advise?

Thanks

2

2m is beside, not behind. The 25m gap is what you need to have behind. If you enter that bubble you are in violation. There is a time limit to make the pass as well; don’t recall what it is. No you can’t (per the rules) use the draft to aid your pass, and you need to get it over and done quickly.

Enforcement will vary a lot depending on the official. Usually you will get a warning before a penalty unless you are blatant.

3

Ok, thank you for explanation. Makes sense