# Part 5: Cycling (World Triathlon Competition Rules)

Triathlon · Part 5: Cycling · Insporta Book (https://book.insporta.app/triathlon/laws/part-5-cycling/)

General riding rules, the bike and its equipment, helmets, bike check and wheel stations, which races are draft-legal, draft zones, overtaking, drafting penalties, blocking, riding positions and lapped athletes.

## 5.51 The Bike and Its Equipment

General riding rules and contact, the frame and its measurements, wheels and handlebars, helmets and other equipment, bike check and wheel stations.

### Test 1: General rules on the bike

- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- Dangerous riding may be penalised, including passing another athlete on the wrong side. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.1 e (Cycling))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))

### Test 2: The bike frame and its measurements

- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 24 cm, 50 cm, 54 cm and 185 cm. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.2 c-d (i) (Cycling))
- 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))
- 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))

### Test 3: Wheels and handlebars

- There must be a brake on each wheel. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.2 e (iii) (Cycling))
- Wheels can be replaced only at official wheel stations, where provided. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.2 e (iv) (Cycling))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))

### Test 4: Helmets and other equipment

- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))

### Test 5: Bike check and wheel stations

- 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))
- Each registered athlete may only check one bike into their transition. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.3 d (Cycling))
- 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))
- 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))
- A "Wheel Station 200m" sign stands 200 m before the station. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.9 f-g (Cycling))
- Neutral and mobile stations follow the first come, first served principle. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.9 f (v) (Cycling))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))

## 5.52 Drafting and Riding

Which races are draft-legal, draft zones, entering the zone and overtaking, drafting penalties and blocking, riding positions and lapped athletes.

### Test 1: Draft-legal or draft-illegal

- Elite and U23 standard-distance triathlon is draft-legal. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.5 a (ii) (Cycling))
- 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))
- For age-groupers the sprint distance has both options in the table. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.5 a (ii) (Cycling))
- 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))
- The table marks para triathlon draft-illegal, including sprint and mixed relay. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.5 a (ii) (Cycling))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))

### Test 2: Draft zones

- 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))
- The longer races give each rider two extra metres of zone. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.5 c (iv) (Cycling))
- The zone runs back from the leading edge of the front wheel. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.5 c (iv) (Cycling))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))

### Test 3: Entering the zone and overtaking

- 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))
- Entering the zone is allowed at an acute turn. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.5 c (v) (Cycling))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))

### Test 4: Drafting penalties and blocking

- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- Drafting violations cannot be appealed. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.6 g (Cycling))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- Blocking is a yellow card served at the next bike penalty box. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.7 a (Cycling))

### Test 5: Riding positions and lapped athletes

- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- The riding-position article does not apply in cross and winter races. (Source: World Triathlon Competition Rules (January 2025), 5.8 c (Cycling))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))

Sources: World Triathlon Competition Rules, January 2025, Part 5 and Appendix K (paraphrased in original wording; original questions authored from the rules, not reproduced)

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