E.1 General Rules
A competitor is not permitted to:
a) Block others
b) Cycle while their bare torso is exposed
c) Make forward progress without the bicycle.
E.1.1 Dangerous Behavior
Competitors must obey traffic laws unless otherwise directed by an official. This includes not crossing the centerline of the road (OAT Mod.) whether the line is indicated or not. Any competitor who appears to officials to present a danger to themselves or others may be disqualified and removed from the competition.
E.1.2 Bike Check
A bike check for TC events will take place at least 24 hours before the competition to allow time for competitors to make modifications, if necessary, to comply with the rules.
E.1.2.1 OAT Mod Properly Maintained Bike
In OAT events competitors are expected to be knowledgeable and aware of all rules, to comply with them and to have a properly maintained bike and helmet. OAT Officials will remove a bike from competition where they feel it is necessary, does not comply with the rules or is unsafe.
E.2 Drafting
E.2.1 General Guidelines
For elite and junior competitors only, the drafting rule will be eliminated for Triathlon National Championship events, Duathlon National Championship events and National Cup events. It will NOT be eliminated for age group competitions or for Long Distance Triathlon. It is within the power of each PGB to organize events within their jurisdiction where the draft rule applies to elite and junior athletes.
E.2.1.1 OAT Mod OAT Drafting Races
Where special waves exist in Provincial Championship and Ontario Grand Prix Series races, for elite and junior competitors only, the drafting rule will be eliminated.
E.2.2 Draft-Illegal Races
In races where the drafting rule applies:
a) Drafting of another competitor or motor vehicle is forbidden. Competitors must reject attempts by others to draft;
b) A competitor is entitled to any position on the course, provided they get to that position first, and without contacting others. When taking a position, a competitor must allow reasonable space for others to make normal movements without making contact. Adequate space must be available before passing;
c) A competitor who approaches from any position to take advantage of the draft, bears responsibility for avoiding the draft.
E.2.3 Bicycle Draft Zone
The draft zone for all competitors in Long Distance Competitions and all age group competitions will be a rectangle 5 meters long by 2 meters wide. The center of the leading 2 meter edge will be measured from the back edge of the back wheel. A competitor may enter the draft zone of another competitor, but must be seen to be progressing through that zone. A maximum of 15 seconds will be allowed to pass through the zone of another competitor.
E.2.3.1 OAT Mod Draft Zone in Traffic
Where the bike course is NOT closed to other traffic, for OAT sanctioned races, the draft zone for all age group competitions will be a rectangle 3 meters long by 1 meter wide. A maximum of 30 seconds will be allowed to pass through the zone of another competitor.
E.2.4 Entry into Bicycle Draft Zone
A competitor may enter a bicycle draft zone (subject to the officials judgment) in the following circumstances:
a) If the competitor enters the draft zone, and progresses through it within 30 seconds, (15 seconds for age group competitors)
b) For safety reasons
c) At an aid station
d) At the exit or entrance of a transition area
e) At an acute turn
f) If race officials exclude a section of the course because of narrow lanes, construction, detours, or for other safety reasons.
g) OAT Mod Where the bike course is NOT closed to other traffic, for OAT sanctioned races, a maximum of 30 seconds will be allowed for age group competitors to pass through the zone of another competitor.
E.2.5 Overtaking Definition
A competitor is passed when another competitor's front wheel is ahead of theirs. Once overtaken, a competitor must immediately move out of the draft zone of the leading competitor.
E.2.6 Vehicle Draft Zone
Motorcycles are the only vehicles allowed on any section of the course. All drivers, officials, media, and race personnel must wear a securely fastened certified motorcycle helmet at all times when on the motorcycle.
a) The vehicle draft zone is a rectangle thirty-five (35) meters long by five (5) meters wide, which surrounds every vehicle on the cycle segment. The front edge of the vehicle will define the center of the leading 5 meter edge of the rectangle
b) Competitors may not pass through this zone. The responsibility for ensuring that this zone is upheld lies with the driver of the vehicle and the Vehicle Control Official (VCO). All vehicles on the course will be controlled by the regulations outlined in the ITU Event Organizers Manual.
E.2.6.1 OAT Mod Race Vehicle Management
Refer to the OAT Race Operations Manual for details of managing vehicles on race courses.
E.3 Equipment
E.3.1 Bicycles
Bicycles must have the following characteristics:
a) For elite and junior competition categories in standard distance duathlon and triathlon events the frame of the bicycle shall be of a traditional pattern, i.e., built around a main triangle of three straight or tapered tubular elements which may be round, oval, flattened, teardrop shaped or otherwise in cross-section.
b) For elite and junior competitions in standard distance duathlons and triathlons, BOTH wheels must be of spoke construction. In long distances or age group competition, covers are allowed on the rear wheel however this provision may be changed by the TD in the interest of safety, i.e., high-winds.
c) The frame will be no more that two (2) meters long, and fifty (50) centimeters wide for elite and juniors, in Triathlon National Cup Series, Duathlon National Cup Series, Triathlon and Duathlon National Championships. For all other competition, two (2) meters long and seventy-five (75) centimeters wide will be permitted.
d) The frame will measure at least 24 centimeters from the ground to the center of the chain wheel axle.
e) A vertical line touching the front-most point of the saddle will be no more than 5 centimeters in front of and no more than 15 centimeters behind a vertical line passing through the center of the chain wheel axle, and a competitor must not have the capability of adjusting the saddle beyond these lines during competition.
f) There will be no less than 54 centimeters and no more than 65 centimeters between a vertical line passing through the center of the chain wheel axle and a vertical line through the center of the front wheel axle. (Exceptions may be given for the bicycles of very tall or very short competitors).
g) Farings which reduce air resistance are prohibited.
h) No wheel may contain mechanisms which are capable of accelerating it.
i) Handlebar ends must be plugged, tires well glued, headsets tight and wheels true.
j) There must be a brake on each wheel.
k) Non-traditional or unusual bicycles or equipment shall be illegal unless prior approval has been received from the Chief Race Official prior to the start of the competition.
l) OAT Mod - Where special waves exist in Provincial Championship and Ontario Grand Prix Series races, a), b) and c) above shall apply.
m) OAT Mod Except for races in the OAT Provincial Championship and Ontario Grand Prix Series, non-traditional or unusual bicycles or equipment are generally acceptable.
E.3.2 Helmets
Cycling helmets are compulsory and must be approved by an officially testing authority, such as:
CSA (Canadian Standards Association)
American National Standard Institute (ANSI Z-90.4)
Snell Memorial Foundation
The National Swedish Board of Consumer Policy
Others to be announced.
E.3.2.1 OAT Mod Helmet Effectiveness
Competitors are reminded that helmets deteriorate with age and their effectiveness is impaired after hard knocks. All competitors are responsible for performing regular inspections of their helmets to ensure their continued effectiveness.
E.3.3 Helmet Alterations
Alterations to any part of the helmet are forbidden. The helmet must be securely fastened at all times when the competitor is in possession of the bicycle, i.e., from the time they remove their bicycle from the rack at the start of the cycle, until after they have placed their bicycle on the rack at the finish of the cycle.
E.3.3.1 OAT Mod Securely Fastened Helmets
Securely fastened means that two fingers can be inserted horizontally between the chin and the strap. Officials may warn or disqualify and competitor whose helmet is not securely fastened.
E.3.4 Helmets at Race Site
Competitors who do not wear approved helmets while cycling at the race site, within 7 days of a TC event, may be disqualified from competition or fined.
E.3.5 Illegal Equipment
Glass containers, headphones and headsets are not permitted.
E.3.6 Handlebars
For elite and junior competitors in Triathlon Canada sanctioned events, the following rule on handlebars apply: (Note: This rule will not apply to age group competitions or long distance events).
a) Only traditional drop handlebars are permitted
b) Clip-ons will be permitted provided they do not extend more than 15 cm beyond the front wheel axle, and they are not longer than the brake levers' foremost line.
c) Straight forward clip-ons must be bridged, and must not carry forward facing brake levers
d) No forward facing bar or gear shifters are allowed on the end of the clip-ons. The only exception will be grip shifters.
e) Elbow pads are permitted.
E.3.6.1 OAT Mod Elite and Junior Handlebars
Where special waves exist in OAT Provincial Championship and Ontario Grand Prix Series races, all the above shall apply.
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