A few weeks ago, this organization and the International Triathlon Union (ITU) signed a collaboration agreement with the aim of establishing a common framework for the development of triathlon, as well as for middle and long distance competitions. One of the main objectives of this agreement is to unify competition criteria and create standardized regulations for the events organized by both organizations.
Changes have not taken long to arrive. IRONMAN has announced new rules for the 2017 season, which affect various key aspects of the regulations, including the use of disc brakes, mobile phones, and athlete clothing for those participating in its events.
This type of regulation especially impacts cyclists, both those competing with road bikes in triathlon events and those looking to adapt mountain bikes for certain alternative routes. The new regulations aim to ensure participant safety and improve the experience in carrera.
If you plan to participate in an event organized by IRONMAN this year (including 70.3 competitions), these are the 6 new features you need to know to stay up to date with the new regulations.
Disc brakes are allowed
This is perhaps the main new feature. Following in the footsteps of the ITU, which already approved the use of disc brakes in 2016, IRONMAN will allow bikes equipped with this braking system in its competitions this year.
>>> Tom Boonen: "Disc brakes are the greatest innovation I have seen on a bike"
Mobile phones yes, but no selfies
Until now, the use of mobile phones was prohibited in IRONMAN events. The reason for their exclusion was that they could be used as walkie-talkies to receive instructions and information that would provide a competitive advantage over the rest of the participants. But in 2017, triathletes will be allowed to carry them. IRONMAN justifies this change by stating that mobile phones are used as devices to keep a record of physical activity through applications like Strava and similar ones. However, forget about taking a selfie in the middle of the race or tweeting that you are at kilometer 150 of the course. According to the company, all athletes who use their mobile phone "as a distraction" will be disqualified. And what does IRONMAN consider a distracting use? Well, "making and receiving calls; sending and receiving text messages; playing music; using social networks; taking photos and mounting the phone on the bike for the purpose of using it as a cycling computer".
If you get a yellow card, you will have to stop
There are also changes in penalties. If a referee gives you a yellow card during the cycling segment or carrera, you will have to stop for one minute in the designated areas to serve this penalty. It's true that the yellow card already meant that the competitor had to stop before resuming, but there was no time requirement. With this change, the duration of the stop for all penalized athletes is standardized before they can resume the race.
Don't even think about unzipping your suit
If you compete in a suit with a zipper on the front, don't even think about unzipping it below the sternum line. Even if it's 40 degrees in the shade, you will be automatically disqualified. If you don't use a tri suit, don't take off your shirt either or you'll face the same fate. IRONMAN thus adopts the same clothing rule already applied in the ITU: "Uniforms with a front zipper must not be unzipped below the sternum".
More support for blind athletes
Competitors who are blind or visually impaired will have an easier time finding a guide suited to their athletic abilities. The limitation that the guide must be of the same sex as the competitor in all segments has been removed. This will make it easier to find a guide compatible with their athletic level, regardless of whether they are male or female.
New machines against technological doping
In 2016, IRONMAN adopted thermal scanners used by the International Cycling Union to detect possible hidden motors in bicycles. For this year, devices used by the ITU to scan both frames and wheels will also be used at some events.