Question:
Does anyone here know the history behind the USA Triathlon rules for cycling
equipment, which appear to be carefully written to exclude recumbent use but
still allow other non-traditional non-DF upright bicycles? Here are the
rules I was wondering about. See especially rule 5.11(c).
5.11 Bicycle Specifications.
All bicycles and bicycle equipment used in USA Triathlon sanctioned events
must conform to the specifications set forth in this Section. Any
participant using a nonconforming bicycle or otherwise violating this
Section shall be disqualified.
(a) Length cannot exceed two meters, and width cannot exceed 75 centimeters.
(b) The distance from the ground to the center of the chain wheel axle must
measure at least 24 centimeters.
(c) A vertical line touching the front most point of the saddle may be no
more than 5 centimeters in front of and no more than 15 centimeters behind a
vertical line passing through the center of the chain wheel axle, and the
cyclist must not have the capability of adjusting the saddle beyond these
limits during competition.
(d) ......
5.12 Untraditional or Unusual Bicycle Equipment.
Any unusual bicycle construction or equipment to which the specifications in
Section 5.11 cannot easily be applied shall be illegal unless prior approval
is received from the Head Referee before the equipment is used in the event.
Any violation of this Section shall result in disqualification.
Why??? Are non-faired recumbents considered an unfair advantage when
compared to non-faired tri-bikes with aero-bars?
Answer:These are the previous-generation UCI regulations. The current
generation UCI regs have very strict specifications about wheel size,
tube size, frame member placement and so on.
AFAIK, USAT adopted the UCI regulations
governing bicycle design, taking into account that the bicycle portion
of a triathlon is a time trial. Hence, triathletes are allowed to use
"aero" bars and unusual frame configurations.
Had the USAT adopted the USCF time trial regulations, recumbents would
be allowed in triathlons since the USCF regs are somewhat less strict
about bicycle design. This would *probably* also created some
conflict between the USAT and the ITU (International Triathlon
Union)... but I really don't know anything about their politics.
