Part 5: Cycling

Athletes obey the specific traffic regulations for the event unless a Technical Official advises otherwise.

Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.1 a (Cycling) · recall

The rule forbids forward progress without being in possession of the bike; carrying or pushing it is progress with it.

Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.1 (iii) (Cycling) · applied

Athletes have to compete with the bike checked in; using a different bike is not allowed.

Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.1 c (Cycling) · applied

Dangerous riding may be penalised, including passing another athlete on the wrong side.

Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.1 e (Cycling) · recall

Accidental contact or cutting across, followed by moving away at once without causing a crash, is not penalised.

Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.1 f (Cycling) · applied

An athlete penalised twice in a calendar year under this rule is not admitted to the next event in those series.

Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.1 h-i (Cycling) · recall

Dangerous cutting across or contact that keeps impeding the other athlete earns a time penalty; deliberate targeting is disqualification.

Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.1 g (Cycling) · applied

No penalty, then a time penalty, then disqualification and a possible Tribunal report.

Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.1 f-h (Cycling) · applied

Athletes who leave the field of play for safety must rejoin without gaining; if they gain, age-groupers serve a time penalty in the transition area.

Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.1 d (Cycling) · applied

A gain from leaving the course is a time penalty served in the transition area for age-groupers, and at the run penalty box for everyone else.

Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.1 d (Cycling) · applied

Draft-legal racing follows UCI road race rules; draft-illegal follows time trial rules; winter and cross follow MTB rules.

Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.2 a (Cycling) · recall

A bicycle is a human-powered vehicle with two wheels of equal diameter; the front steers and the rear is driven by pedals and a chain.

Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.2 b (Cycling) · recall

The bike may be no more than 185 cm long and 50 cm wide.

Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.2 c-d (i) (Cycling) · recall

The bottom bracket (chain wheel axle) sits 24 to 30 cm above the ground.

Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.2 c-d (i) (Cycling) · recall

Bikes with the UCI Road Race label (code RD) are always allowed in draft-legal events, even if they break the listed frame criteria.

Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.2 c (i) (Cycling) · applied

The saddle nose must be at least 5 cm (men) or 2 cm (women) behind the vertical through the chain wheel axle.

Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.2 c (ii) (Cycling) · recall

Non-traditional bikes are illegal unless submitted for approval at least 30 days before the event.

Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.2 c-d (iii) (Cycling) · applied

24 cm, 50 cm, 54 cm and 185 cm.

Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.2 c-d (i) (Cycling) · recall

Requests reach a panel from the Technical, Coaches and Medical committees 30 days ahead; approvals last four years, then must be resubmitted.

Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.2 c (ii) (Cycling) · applied

A is the height of the chain wheel axle above the ground. C is the overall length, D the distance to the front axle (54-65 cm), B the saddle set-back.

Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.2 c-d (i) (Cycling) · applied

There must be a brake on each wheel.

Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.2 e (iii) (Cycling) · recall

Wheels can be replaced only at official wheel stations, where provided.

Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.2 e (iv) (Cycling) · recall

Age-group draft-legal wheels need at least 12 spokes, and disc wheels are not allowed.

Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.2 e (vii) (Cycling) · recall

Unlisted wheels need 55-70 cm diameter, at least 20 metal spokes, alloy rims and a rim depth of at most 25 mm.

Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.2 e (vi) (Cycling) · applied

Rear wheel covers are allowed in draft-illegal events; the Technical Delegate may change that for safety, such as high winds.

Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.2 e (viii) (Cycling) · applied

Age-group draft-legal racing allows traditional drop bars only, plugged, with no clip-ons.

Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.2 f (ii) (Cycling) · recall

Water bottles and holders may not be mounted on the handlebars in elite draft-legal racing (they may in draft-illegal).

Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.2 f (i) (Cycling) · recall

At least 20 spokes, at most 25 mm deep, 55 to 70 cm across.

Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.2 e (vi) (Cycling) · recall

Officials give the wheel, the athlete fits it, and the replaced wheel stays at the station, or the athlete risks disqualification.

Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.2 e (v); 5.9 d, i (Cycling) · applied

In draft-illegal racing clip-ons may not extend past the front wheel's leading edge; C does. A bottle on the bars (D) is allowed there.

Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.2 f (iii) (Cycling) · applied

Helmets must be approved by a national accredited testing authority recognised by a World Triathlon member federation.

Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.2 g (i) (Cycling) · recall

The helmet must be worn in all official activities on the bike: competition, familiarisation and training sessions.

Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.2 g (ii) (Cycling) · recall

Altering or omitting any part of the helmet, including the chin strap or an outer cloth cover, is prohibited.

Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.2 g (iii) (Cycling) · applied

The helmet stays fastened until the athlete is outside the course boundary and has dismounted, and is done up again before returning.

Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.2 g (iv) (Cycling) · applied

Platform pedals are allowed provided a quick-release mechanism lets the feet come free in a fall.

Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.2 h (Cycling) · recall

Rear systems (outside the frame triangle) may hold no more than two bottles, each at most 1 litre.

Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.2 n (Cycling) · recall

Bottles or systems on parts rotating around the steering axis may hold 2 litres combined.

Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.2 m (Cycling) · recall

The helmet may come undone only once outside the course and dismounted, and must be fastened before rejoining or remounting.

Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.2 g (iv) (Cycling) · applied

Helmets are worn in every official ride, carry the race stickers, are fastened before the bike leaves the rack and stay fastened on the course.

Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.2 g; 7.1 r (Cycling) · applied

A 1.5 cm clearance round the official helmet number keeps it visible; no other stickers are allowed.

Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.2 g (v)-(vii) (Cycling) · applied

A visual check is done before athletes access the transition area before the competition.

Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.3 b (Cycling) · recall

Each registered athlete may only check one bike into their transition.

Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.3 d (Cycling) · applied

Athletes may request approval from the Head Referee after the briefing if their bike is legal.

Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.3 c (Cycling) · recall

Team stations hold wheels supplied by teams or athletes, for them only; neutral and mobile stations serve everyone.

Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.9 b (Cycling) · recall

A "Wheel Station 200m" sign stands 200 m before the station.

Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.9 f-g (Cycling) · recall

Neutral and mobile stations follow the first come, first served principle.

Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.9 f (v) (Cycling) · recall

The replaced wheel must be left at the wheel station; not doing so may lead to disqualification.

Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.9 i (Cycling) · applied

After the briefing an athlete may ask the Head Referee whether a bike is legal; the visual check happens at the entry to transition, and racking ends when it closes.

Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.3 b-e (Cycling) · applied

The 200 m warning comes first, then the station's own sign, and the wheel is handed over there.

Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.9 f (Cycling) · applied

A, C and D each carry at least one solid wheel, which age-group draft-legal racing rules out.

Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.2 e (vii) (Cycling) · applied

Elite and U23 standard-distance triathlon is draft-legal.

Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.5 a (ii) (Cycling) · recall

Age-group standard distance is draft-illegal; age-group sprint may be run either way.

Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.5 a (ii) (Cycling) · recall

For age-groupers the sprint distance has both options in the table.

Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.5 a (ii) (Cycling) · recall

Middle- and long-distance racing is draft-illegal for elite, age-group and para athletes.

Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.5 a (ii) (Cycling) · recall

The table marks para triathlon draft-illegal, including sprint and mixed relay.

Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.5 a (ii) (Cycling) · recall

Even in draft-legal racing, drafting off a different-gender athlete, an athlete on a different lap, or a motorbike or vehicle is forbidden.

Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.5 b (Cycling) · recall

Winter triathlon and cross triathlon/duathlon are draft-legal at all distances; aquabike is draft-illegal.

Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.5 a (ii) (Cycling) · recall

All three are draft-legal for elite athletes; middle and long distance switch to draft-illegal.

Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.5 a (ii) (Cycling) · recall

Whether a race is draft-legal depends on distance and category, and the bike rules (bars, wheels, bottles) follow from that.

Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.5 a; 5.2 c-f (Cycling) · applied

Over the standard distance, age-group athletes must keep out of each other's draft zones.

Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.5 a (ii) (Cycling) · applied

The bicycle draft zone is 10 m at standard distance and shorter, 12 m at middle and long distance.

Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.5 c (iv) (Cycling) · recall

The longer races give each rider two extra metres of zone.

Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.5 c (iv) (Cycling) · recall

The zone runs back from the leading edge of the front wheel.

Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.5 c (iv) (Cycling) · recall

At standard distance and shorter the pass through another's zone must take no more than 20 seconds.

Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.5 c (iv) (Cycling) · applied

Behind a vehicle the zone is 35 m; behind a motorbike it is 15 m. Both apply in draft-legal events too.

Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.5 c (iv) (Cycling) · recall

An athlete who approaches to take advantage of the draft bears responsibility for avoiding it.

Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.5 c (iii) (Cycling) · recall

Several consecutive attempts to overtake without success may lead to a drafting infringement.

Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.5 c (iv) (Cycling) · applied

10 m, 15 m, 100 m and 200 m.

Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.5 c (iv)-(v), 5.9 f (Cycling) · recall

An athlete may enter the zone if seen to progress through it and completes the pass within the allowed time.

Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.5 c (iv), (vi) (Cycling) · applied

The zone is the box behind the green rider's front wheel. Only A is inside it; C is behind it, and B and D are clear to the side.

Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.5 c (iv) (Cycling) · applied

Entry is allowed 100 m before and after an aid station or transition area.

Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.5 c (v) (Cycling) · recall

Entering the zone is allowed at an acute turn.

Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.5 c (v) (Cycling) · recall

The Technical Delegate may exclude a section because of narrow lanes, construction, detours or other safety reasons.

Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.5 c (v) (Cycling) · recall

An athlete is passed when another athlete's front wheel is ahead of theirs.

Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.5 c (vi) (Cycling) · recall

The overtaken athlete must keep moving backwards out of the passer's draft zone.

Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.5 c (vi) (Cycling) · applied

Re-passing before dropping out of the draft zone is a drafting violation.

Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.5 c (vi) (Cycling) · applied

The Technical Delegate instructs athletes at the briefing on which side to pass.

Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.5 c (vi) (Cycling) · recall

The rider is passed once the other's front wheel is ahead; they must fall back out of the zone before re-passing.

Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.5 c (vi) (Cycling) · applied

10 metres, 12 metres and 100 metres: the zone is 10 m at standard distance and shorter, 12 m at middle and long distance, and an athlete may enter another's zone within 100 m of an aid station.

Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.5 c (iv)-(v) (Cycling) · recall

A is inside the green rider's zone right after being passed, so A must fall back. B is ahead, C and D are well clear behind or aside.

Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.5 c (vi) (Cycling) · applied

Drafting is notified with a blue card; other time penalties use yellow.

Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.6 b; 3.4 a (i) (Cycling) · recall

It is the athlete's responsibility to stop in the next penalty box; failing to stop results in disqualification.

Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.6 d (Cycling) · applied

A second drafting offence is a disqualification at standard distance or shorter; at middle and long distance it is the third.

Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.6 e-f (Cycling) · recall

Longer races allow one more penalty before the red card than standard distance does.

Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.6 f (Cycling) · recall

Drafting violations cannot be appealed.

Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.6 g (Cycling) · recall

Blocking is where an athlete behind cannot pass because the leading athlete is poorly placed on the course.

Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.7 a (Cycling) · recall

Athletes must keep to the side of the course and not create a hazard by blocking.

Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.7 a (Cycling) · recall

Blocking is a non-drafting time penalty, drafting carries a longer time penalty, and a second drafting offence is disqualification at standard distance.

Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.3 e, 5.6 e, 5.7 a (Cycling) · applied

Blocking is a 30-second time penalty at middle distance, drafting a longer one, and not stopping in the next box after a drafting call is disqualification.

Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 3.3 e, 5.6 d, 5.7 a (Cycling) · applied

Blocking is a yellow card served at the next bike penalty box.

Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.7 a (Cycling) · applied

The only points of support are the feet on the pedals, the hands on the handlebars and the seat on the saddle.

Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.8 a (Cycling) · recall

In draft-illegal races forearms can be used as a support, with the hands gripping the clip-ons.

Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.8 b (Cycling) · recall

While arms or elbows touch the handlebar or armrest, the hands grip the clip-ons.

Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.8 b (Cycling) · recall

The riding-position article does not apply in cross and winter races.

Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.8 c (Cycling) · recall

In elite, U23, junior, youth and mixed relay draft-legal races, lapped athletes are withdrawn by the Technical Officials.

Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.4 a (Cycling) · recall

Officials may anticipate the withdrawal if the athlete is closer than 100 m ahead of the leader and the lapping is certain.

Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.4 a (Cycling) · applied

The overlapping provision can be modified by the Technical Delegate following the procedure in 1.5.

Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.4 a (Cycling) · recall

Officials may pull a soon-to-be-lapped athlete out early when they are within 100 m of the leader and the overlap is certain.

Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.4 a (Cycling) · applied

The position rule does not apply in cross races; draft-illegal adds the forearms to the three supports; draft-legal allows only feet, hands and seat.

Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.8 (Cycling) · applied

The report ticks both conditions of the draft-illegal exception: forearm support and hands on the clip-ons.

Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.8 b (Cycling) · applied