Passing on the bike

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2007-04-02 2:33 PM

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Subject: Passing on the bike

Can I pass somebody who is already passing somebody else (i.e. ride 3 or 4 abreast to pass) 

This is what the rules say:

http://www.nasports.com/RaceRules.pdf 

b. Contestants must ride single file on the far right side of the road near the white line except when passing another rider. Side-by-side riding is not allowed.

c. Overtaking riders may pass on the left for up to 20 seconds, but must move back to the right side of the white line after passing or if the challenge fails.

d. Riders must keep a 7-meter distance (approximately 4 bike lengths) between bikes except when passing.

e. An overtaken rider must fall back 7 meters before attempting to regain the lead from the lead bike.

2007-04-02 3:24 PM
in reply to: #745945

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Subject: RE: Passing on the bike
I'm not entirely sure on that, but the "riders must ride single file" thing seems to DQ that idea. I don't know that I'd chance it with marshalls around.
2007-04-02 3:34 PM
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2007-04-02 3:55 PM
in reply to: #745945

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Subject: RE: Passing on the bike

What Aaron said ... plus, if you were the 4th rider abreast, then you'd have to pass the other three within the 20 second rule.

Read through the WTC rules and did not see it, but crossing the yellow center line of the road (e.g. into the opposing traffic lane) in USAT-land is a big no-no.  Given the life-threatening nature of it (and ensuing insurance liability), I would suspect that is the same case with WTC races.

So ... I would guess that the answer is pass as many abreast just so long as you pass all of the cyclist to your right within 20 seconds - but do not pass if it means that you have to cross the center line of the road.

2007-04-02 4:04 PM
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2007-04-03 1:04 PM
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Subject: RE: Passing on the bike

WTC rules are similar to but independent of USAT rules.

Would, however, be interested in Bear's + Foolproof's take to see if it gibes with what I was told in my officiating clinic and by the Head Referees at the races I helped officate last season.

Rules are rule ... then there are interpretations. (Whose interpretation matters?  Why the Head Official officiating that individual race, of course )

edit: looked and it appears to be a hybrid between the two rules ... that said, the drafting section I believe are specific to WTC rules and not USAT.  Also, the race marshalls on the course will be WTC officials, not necessarily USAT certified officials.

JeepFleeb - 2007-04-02 5:04 PM

brian - 2007-04-02 3:55 PM 
...just so long as you pass all of the cyclist to your right within 20 seconds

I was under the impression that you had 20 seconds per cyclist.  But that is really just hear-say from other people.  Might be worth asking The Bear and Foolproof since they just did an officials clinic in Glaveston last weekend.



Edited by brian 2007-04-03 1:07 PM

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