Just finished my second triathlon of the year, which also happens to be the second triathlon I've ever done. I'm happy with my results, after all, I did finish. My rankings, out of 448 finishers:
Swim: 215
Bike: 10 (This is what keeps me in the race)
Run: 246 (This is what takes me out of the race)
Overall: 88th (17 minutes off winner)
10th fastest biker out of 448. If those roadies only knew a mountain bikers took most of them out. :) I did have words with one guy while riding. Apparently I was 'drafting', which is against the rules in road racing (note: it was not mentioned in this events rules). Apparently you have to maintain 3-5 feet behind or you must pass. He started barking at me cause I was 2 feet behind. I gave it right back to him and just told him to race his own race. I ended up passing him a few minutes later. I had nobody in front of me so I asked him how that drafting was working for me. I've done two TRI's now and have to tell you, I've never heard so much complaining about everything and anything. Just shut up and race your race.
Next Triathlon is in September, so it's back to mountain bike racing. Next two weekends are mountain bike races, once I REALLY need to do good in.
Just thought I'd let you know that in all triathlons other than off road and ITU sanctioned events do indeed have rules against drafting. You need to maintain 6 bike lengths or be in the process of passing. While the guy may have sounded like a jerk, but he was correct in not wanting you to wheel suck off him for a better time as it's cheating.
ReplyDeleteAt least you now know for next time. :) Happy training!