Arguments against drafting

1. An obvious argument is that drafting is against the rules. Rules make the sport what it is, if we all obey the rules we all have the equal chance of winning. If some competitors follow the rules and some do not – the concept of sport and equal competition fails. This idea of sport and sport rules is as old as humans but somehow there are always new ways for some people to cheat.

2. Drafting is not safe – if you are on aerobars which are allowed in draft-illegal races your reaction time is much slower and you can crash and also crash all the triathletes behind you. Group riding is dangerous especially with aerobars and in race conditions.

3. If you draft you do not need to worry about aerodynamics – you do not need aero wheels, aerobars and even an aero position. Most efficient setup for drafting is road cycling position, not a time trial position. Drafting is bad for cycling industry and technology development.

4. Groups of drafters create a huge problems for triathletes who just want to do their race. Triathletes who try not to draft are forced to constantly break and avoid the drafting zones when groups pass them which results in breaking for even few minutes. Drafting groups (riding packs) basically disturb everybody on the race course who actually wishes to race legally.

5. Drafting creates unrealistic results which are then evaluated by sponsors and team directors. This results in lack of respect for those who actually performed well which again results in lower income. There are many examples of triathletes respecting the rules yet on results their times seem slow – these athletes are in fact stronger but are not able to ride faster than groups, and they miss out on sponsorship contracts. Effects of drafting go far beyond the race and are disturbing the economy of the sport.