How to Pass With Authority

Have you experienced a drafting leech or a yo-yo rider during an Olympic-distance triathlon? The drafting leech is the person that grabs your wheel as you pass them lingers there. This person may be drafting intentionally or unintentionally. Either way it's annoying.

The yo-yo rider doesn't let you pass. You are clearly stronger than they are, because you've come up from behind. As you are attempting to make your pass, they speed up. Eventually they slow a bit, but then speed up again, preventing you from making a clean pass.

More: 6 More Triathlon Mistakes to Avoid

Another yo-yo tactic is allowing you to pass, and then charging past you for what seems like a definitive pass. Once the yo-yo person has gone past and you have dropped out of the draft zone, they slow the pace. You are forced to yo-yo back and forth with this person for miles.

Arrrgh! Frustrating!

More: Don't Be That Guy

Drafting Rule

All triathletes know, or should know, that during the cycling leg of the event there needs to be at least three bike lengths between cyclists. If you are riding strong and move into that three-length zone of another rider, you have 15 seconds to pass that person. Once you have overtaken the other rider, they must immediately exit your draft zone (i.e. they must drop back three bike lengths) before attempting to pass you again.

A violation of the drafting rule described in the last paragraph is one of the most common rule violations at USA Triathlon sanctioned races. If the offending rider is charged with a drafting violation at an Olympic-distance event, the penalty is two minutes for the first offense, four minutes for the second offense and a third offense results in disqualification.

More: 11 Rules You Should Know

The Solution

You need a workout that helps you pass the competition with authority. On the next page is a workout designed for that purpose.

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About the Author

Gale Bernhardt

Gale Bernhardt was the USA Triathlon team coach at the 2003 Pan American Games and 2004 Athens Olympics. She's worked as a World Cup coach and delivered education training for the International Triathlon Union's Sport Development Team. Thousands of athletes have had successful training and racing experiences using Gale's easy-to-follow training plans. You can find some of her training plans on Active Trainer to help you succeed.
Gale Bernhardt was the USA Triathlon team coach at the 2003 Pan American Games and 2004 Athens Olympics. She's worked as a World Cup coach and delivered education training for the International Triathlon Union's Sport Development Team. Thousands of athletes have had successful training and racing experiences using Gale's easy-to-follow training plans. You can find some of her training plans on Active Trainer to help you succeed.

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