Drafting in a non Draft legal

I would think yes.

from what I understand, once you enter the zone you have 15 seconds to get out....I would keep in mind, you have no idea what the refs idea of the zone is and yours....as for as you know, you've been in the zone for 7 seconds in the refs eyes, and only 3 in yours.

I wouldnt even mess with it and just pass

Yes.  This is basically the legal "slingshot" drafting that you can (and generally should) do on a course.  You wouldn't really pause for a couple seconds as it should be one smooth motion, i.e., ride into their draft zone right behind them and simply pull left to pass as you move up closer to their wheel.

If you know the rules about drafting then you would know that the 15s applies to the drafting box and the time it takes in which you must complete your pass.  So you could stick on their wheel for 14s supposing you could get your front wheel in front of theirs in the remaining 1s.  What you are referring to is called legal drafting. 

Most folks I hear talk about "legal drafting" refer to following just outside the box, maybe four or five bike lengths behind another rider, where they're legal but still enjoy significant benefits.

It's a great unspoken advantage that slow swimmers/fast cyclists have. They can essentially draft their way to the front by constantly passing.  In wave starts I try and attempt the same.

Yes you can.  I can tell you from experience that you get huge benefits.  Granted, being an Engineer, I could calculate it...but the variables are insane and it would come out to... Yep...I can feel a draft.

Thanks for all the input...the above is what i was planning to do...just making sure...I really checking on whether you had to pass outside their drafting box (ie pass at least 1 meter to the left or right of the person being passed by me the passee)

Oops, that's the bean burrito I had that morning.  Sorry.

Legal drafting is AWESOME!  First - yes, the four bike lengths (or three, in non-IM races) make a difference, not only because of the actual "draft," but also because by focusing on and following that person, you no longer have to make decisions such as "I need to go around that pothole" or "I should maybe shift gears now" or "I have to get ready to turn here."  These sound small, but when you want all of your energy focused on the physical act of cycling, it makes a difference.  Also, that 15 seconds you have to pass is a long time - you can spend a good 5-10 seconds right on the back wheel of the person in front of you.  Remember, you don't have to completely pass them in 15 seconds, just get your front wheel in front of theirs.

Its not just the 4 bike length thing. If you are passing a steady stream of people, you are constantly well within that 4 length. Heck you are inside of 1 length often, its just that you move out of one draft and into the next. So in theory you are inside of the 'zone' for a good chunk of the ride. Works best if you are a slow swimmer and are passing those in your wave as you mostly have fit people in front of you. Passing the wave in front of you often results in traffic jams and speed differences to great to get any draft.

Yeah, this guy was "legally" drafting all right ................. if it was an ITU race!!

Frickin' bastag ......... sucked my wheel for like 5 miles.  Azzhole.





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looks like he was getting ready to pass and drop you!

That guys has a crazy smirk as he drafting you....next time slow down and let him pass... se what he is made of