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Triathlon Canada posts Age Group Draft Legal Competition Strategy

Triathlon Canada CEO Tim Wilson posted the following article announcing the federation’s standpoint on Age Group Draft Legal racing:
Triathlon Canada
The International Triathlon Union (ITU) has recently changed its Competition Rules for the 2016 ITU Triathlon Sprint World Championships, to be an Age Group Draft Legal competition.

This amendment to the ITU Competition Rules, and the impact it will have on developing events, and preparing athletes to meet this challenge, had been the subject of a review by Triathlon Canada Technical and Coaching staff.

As such, a number of fundamental elements were identified and considered in due process, including;

2015 and 2016 National Qualifying Competition
2016 National Selection Process
Technical Officials /Rules
Coaches Role
Athlete Skill Development and Responsibility
Race Director Skill Development
Draft Legal Course Design
Safety & Insurance
Triathlon Canada Strategy

With the above-mentioned in mind, I wish to advise that Triathlon Canada will undertake the following steps in preparing to meet the challenge of Age Group Draft Legal competition;

Triathlon Canada will follow the ITU lead in adopting rules pertaining to the introduction of Age Group Draft Legal competition at 2016 ITU Triathlon Sprint World Championships.

Triathlon Canada will NOT stage any Age Group Draft Legal competition this season. Therefore the 2015 Canadian Sprint Championships and all 2015 National Qualifying sprint events will remain Draft Illegal.

Triathlon Canada qualifying process for the 2016 ITU Triathlon Sprint World Championships (this current year) will be based on the existing Draft Illegal race format.

Triathlon Canada will introduce Age Group Draft Legal competition in the 2016 season, including the 2016 Canadian Sprint Championships and 2016 National Qualifying sprint events, for selection to the 2017 ITU Triathlon Sprint Championships.

Triathlon Canada will NOT require Age Group Draft Legal accreditation certificates or proof of Age Group Draft Legal skills at Canadian Sprint Championships and National Qualifying sprint events.

Triathlon Canada will continue to develop a national leadership role, within national coaching and technical programs, in preparing the sport for Age Group Draft Legal competition.

Triathlon Canada will develop and circulate a set of Age Group Draft Legal principles designed to assist the skill development of athletes, which may be used as a minimum curriculum for PSOs wishing to include in their own Age Group Draft Legal courses, modules and programs (ASAP).

Triathlon Canada will introduce a promotion campaign on Age Group Draft Legal competition, and the acquisition of equipment and safe group riding skills, highlighting the message, that Age Group Draft Legal competition skills is a personal responsibility.

Triathlon Canada will review the 2016 Criteria for Hosting Canadian Sprint Championships and National Qualifying sprint events, and include the need for Age Group Draft Legal competition.

Triathlon Canada will recommend to members applying for selection for 2016 Triathlon Sprint World Championships that they take every opportunity to upskill, and gain all the competition experience necessary to prepare themselves for Age Group Draft Legal international competition.

Triathlon Canada will require members selected for 2016 Triathlon Sprint World Championships acknowledge personal responsibility for being fully prepared for Age Group Draft Legal competition, including cycle equipment which complies with the new ITU Competition Rules.

Triathlon Canada will include Age Group Draft Legal competition elements in education modules within the NCCP framework and coach development initiatives.