This is an opportunity to share some of the processes and decisions Comms encounter during events. Hopefully by doing this we can promote good, safe racing, and open transparency about races. You are welcome to ask questions.
Ah, time trials. It’s a whole different barrel of monkeys than road races. I will offer 2 general rules that will apply throughout though:
There is little sense in debating during TT’s - managing a TT can make the friendliest Comm grumpy. Best to ask them after the event if you don’t understand something.
Race logistics
Main items that will impact you during a TT are:
Equipment
This really isn’t a fun subject to write about. You need an engineering degree to properly understand the Tech Regs – they are confusing. Please keep rule number 2 from above in mind. If you are into details though, there is a really great video that explains a lot and teaches you Spanish.
Basics - Many local clubs will run aero and non-aero categories. Essentially if anything on your bike or person (wheels, bike, helmet, etc) isn’t allowed in a normal road race, then you are in the aero category. For some silly reason in the tech regs, the track rules around booties also apply to time trials on the road - the Comm can decide on the day whether the weather conditions make shoe covers unnecessary. 9 out of 10 Comms won’t take issue and therefore allow shoe covers, but refer to rule 2 above. All I can say is that Comms actually operate independently of the Combine.
Having a rear red light is still required.
Technical - I don’t really want to try to rewrite the Tech Regs on TT bikes for you, see the video for that. Many triathlon bikes are actually not time trial legal. The Combine Comms generally don’t get overly pedantic about bikes. If a Comm say something to you about your bike, it is probably to inform you so that you don’t show up to an Open event with an issue. If your bike has a UCI approved sticker on it, you’re in pretty good shape for rapid approval. Wheels coverings that attempt to turn your cheap wheel into a disc wheel aren't allowed.
On a final note, I have a whole other posting to write about the appeals process if you do get pinged. Essentially, if you disagree with a decision, you need to appeal within 15 minutes of the announcement. After that, results are final.
I hope that helps. You can This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. about this or Comms’ topics you’d like to hear about.