Ironman updates competition rules – no more water bottles down shirts

It’s always looked very bizarre, but athletes desperate for aerodynamic gains had jumped on the bandwagon – putting a water bottle down the front of their tri suit to gain valuable seconds during the bike leg. (Pictured above is Gustav Iden, who used the trick on his way to the 2022 Ironman World Championship)

Ironman has released the updated 2024 Competition Rules (added or amended rules are highlighted in green) and has banned the practice of placing a water bottle down the front of an athlete’s race suit for an aerodynamic advantage. Other amendments include affirming the “zipper” rule, a ban of using “aerodynamic assemblies and protuberances on the head tube or elsewhere” and a five-minute penalty, or disqualification for littering.

Water bottle down the trisuit

Here’s the wording Ironman has presented around the “water bottle/ hydration system down the front of the suit” trick:

additional equipment that has the effect of reducing wind resistance is prohibited during the bike segment of the Race (whether such equipment is worn under the athlete’s clothing, over the athlete’s clothing, or is otherwise attached to the athlete’s body or the athlete’s bike). This includes, but is not limited to, (i) any bottles/hydration or any other insert located in the front of an athlete’s race suit and (ii) any insert in an athlete’s calf sleeves; (DSQ)

Littering

“Intentional or careless” littering will now garner a five minute penalty or a DQ:

Athletes shall not dispose of trash or equipment (including, but not limited to, water bottles, gel/bar wrappers, broken bike parts, clothing items, etc.) on the course except at aid stations or other designated trash-disposal points. Intentional or careless littering will result in a 5:00 Minute Time Penalty or disqualification.

Zipper

The zipper rule has been in effect for a while now – as Canadian Matthew Sharpe learned the hard way last year at Ironman 70.3 Maine.

Matt Sharpe DQ’d at Ironman 70.3 Maine for undone zipper

 

Uniforms with a front zipper may be unzipped to any length, provided, that (i) the zipper should be connected at the bottom of the uniform at all times, and (ii) the top of the uniform should cover the shoulders at all times; (30 or 60 Second Time Penalty (as applicable), DSQ if not remedied promptly)

No more taping up bars

In 2022 Sam Laidlow used a lot of tape on his handlebars, but that won’t be allowed in 2024.

The gear that helped Sam Laidlow set a new bike course record in Kona

Creating a home-made fairing with duct tape and the like on the bars, or any other part of the bike, won’t be allowed any more, either:

Protective screens, fuselages, fairings, or any other devices or materials (including duct tape) added or blended into the structure with the intent to reduce (or having the effect of reducing) resistance to air penetration are prohibited. Aerodynamic assemblies and protuberances on the head tube or elsewhere are prohibited; (DSQ)