Race Ranger anti-drafting tech shelved for Ironman 70.3 Oceanside race

The innovative anti-drafting Race Ranger technology won’t be used for the first race in the Ironman Pro Series due to a firmware issue on the latest generation of the units that were to be used for Saturday’s race.

Ironman Pro Series to use RaceRanger electronic drafting detection system

“We have been working very hard to launch these brand-new upgraded units for this weekend’s use and are disappointed by the issues discovered during our onsite testing at Ironman 70.3 Oceanside,” said James Elvery, Co-Founder and CEO of RaceRanger. “We have not been able to reach the performance standard we expect, and as a competition fairness tool, our first concern is to always offer the athletes and officials the most consistent, accurate and reliable information. We know how important the kickoff Ironman Pro Series event is for Ironman, and we are deeply sorry that our units are not ready for this weekend.”

USA Triathlon race referees will be on course to enforce the rules.

The RaceRanger device is placed on the front fork and the seat post, and a light detection system indicates whether an athlete is within the draft zone – in the case of Ironman, within 12 m. The technology was never intended to replace referees, but rather as a tool to assist referees and to give athletes a clear sign of when they have entered the draft zone.

“We are confident that we’ll have the technology working for Ironman Texas and the rest of the Ironman Pro Series calendar through the year,” Elvery continued. “I’d like to thank Ironman for their support in the development of RaceRanger to date and their continued confidence in us through this situation. Innovation can be difficult, and we are lucky to have a partner like Ironman in our corner to bring this to life.”