Ironman, which makes and follows its own rules, is partially following World Triathlon’s new rules this year: that means, among other things, that a blue card for drafting in a Full Distance Ironman will now result in a three-minute penalty instead of a five-minute penalty. In addition the length of aerobars will be limited.
The rules where drafting results in shorter time penalties were much debated, yet Ironman sees merit in adopting those regulations from World Triathlon. Athletes mainly fear that this way – because of the shorter penalties – will encourage drafting. In an Ironman 70.3, drafting is penalized with only two minutes and in a IM 5150 with one minute.
Aerobars may not extend beyond the front part of the front wheel from now on. In addition, an athlete may still have a maximum of two liters of drinking bottles (or drinking system) on the front of the bike and a maximum of two water bottles with a total of 1 liter on the back of the saddle. Neoprene swim caps are now only allowed when swimming with wetsuits.
An overview of all rules can be found here.
