Challenge Copenhagen Forum

Subject :Prevent Drafting.. 2010-05-26 15:22:32

OscarH

Hi Challenge, It's been a while since the (potential) drafting issue was discussed. I hope the work is progressing such that we all get a fair race. Is there anything you can tell us about this? It is likely very important for the future of Challenge Copenhagen that the race is established as a fair race from the start, creating an honest mentality amongst the people who choose to enter. Some of the key parameters would appear to be: - pre race information - staggering of start waves (what intervals are intended?) - Course marshals Looking forward to hearing more on how this will be handled! Quote

Subject :Re:Prevent Drafting.. 2010-05-27 14:48:06

KMD Challenge

Hi Oscar This is indeed still one of our main concerns. Together with the Danish federation we are working on solutions that help the most to secure a fair race. One of the main things is of course our wave start. We have 10 minutes between each AG start wave and app. 250 - 300 athletes in each. From our experience at Challenge Barcelona last October and two weeks ago, who has the start procedure, it was extremely helpful in order to prevent drafting. I raced myself t weeks ago and started from one of the late startgroups and I hardly saw any formation of large groups. Apart for that the marshall will be highly visible on the course All the best and happy training! Challenge Copenhagen Quote

Subject :Re:Prevent Drafting.. 2010-07-30 13:29:16

TIP

Hi Challenge, One way to deter people from drafting is to make the penalty worse than what is gained. So my proposal is to add a run loop that every person caught of drafting has to do before starting their marathon. The loop could be maybe 600m total in length. Every drafting penalty equals one loop. The refs on the bike course do their normal work, but in stead of making the drafter ride to the nearest tent to relax for 2-4 minutes they're given a slash on their number and the information is radioed back to T2. At T2 a person handles the drafters and cone is placed 300m out on the marathon course with a sign indication drafting turn-around and a person is also placed at the cone to makes sure the drafters actually turn around and go back to complete their penalty. This would tire the person and the energy saved while drafting will be used running and there is the extra time spent running the 600m extra. Let me know your thoughts.... /TIP Quote