Drafting, water bottles and aerobars the target of new Ironman rules

Ironman’s new penalty rules announced yesterday is in lock step with World Triathlon’s recent competition rules update. Penalty times for drafting have been reduced to a mixed reaction in the triathlon community, where the enforcement of drafting infringements at the age group level have been criticized for years.

Drafting is a blue card penalty, as is failing to drop back, riding side-by-side, slotting, and littering. All blue card penalties have been reduced below five minutes. The new penalty time is two minutes at Ironman 70.3 events and three minutes at full Ironman distance events. Disqualification for receiving three blue cards in a single race has not changed. Unintentional littering is subject to the penalty times, while intentional littering will result in disqualification.

A change to red card, or disqualification as it were, included violations involving “fraud/misrepresentation such as unauthorized transfer of racing bib or timing chip to another athlete.”

Bottle limits reduce capacity on the bike

Ironman put a cap on the capacity and placement of water bottles on the bike. Aero bottles between the bars can contain no more than two litres. The rule defines front hydration systems as anything that is mounted to bike components that are “attached to the bike that rotate around the steering axis.” Which essentially means the cockpit, including any extensions, the top tube, headset, stem and head tube. Failure to comply could result in disqualification.

Hydration systems embedded in the frame or within the frame triangle are not affected by the new rule. The two litre rule applies to the rear hydration system, which also limits the number of bottles to two. More rules around the cockpit include the length of aerobars. Bars cannot be so long as to extend past the front wheel. This is a set up we have seen on the pro course, and a first of its kind in terms of regulating bar length.

Any equipment “deemed to have the effect of reducing wind resistance” is prohibited. Making that assessment will now be made by the Head Referee.

Swim cap and protest rules tightened

Neoprene swim caps can now only be warn during wetsuit legal races. If an athlete opts to wear two caps, the official one must be worn on the outside at all times during the swim. This is also the case when wearing a neoprene cap.

Ironman added under Right of Protest or Appeal that “protests by athletes penalized for judgment calls, or for a penalty which has already been served, will not be considered.” Matters that are subject to protest include athlete eligibility, conduct and equipment use.

The rule update goes into effect March 17, 2025 just ahead of Ironman 70.3 Geelong on March 23, which kicks off the Ironman Pro Series.

With the limitations on bottle attachments and aerobar lengths, it raises the possibility that bike manufacturers may pivot with design considerations in the future. Hydration systems within the frame could become standard, making it easier for athletes to carry more than four litres of water on the bike. Cockpit aerobar design could also be impacted to avoid positioning a rider beyond the front wheel.