After several years of racing elite at Olympic Distance (drafting) it became apparent that it was not the discipline for me. I was not a strong enough swimmer and the uncooperative nature of the chase packs lead me to pursue 70.3 Ironman triathlon.

I have had much more success in this disciple, qualifying for the Pro World Championships in my first season in 2008 where I finished 37th. I was optimistic this result would bring about some support for my professional triathlon career through sponsorship opportunities – I failed to gain a single sponsor. In 2009 I was hoping for an even better result at the Pro World Championships at Clearwater, and I was better, by ten minutes…however I finished 10 places further back in 48th…why was this?

Drafting, plenty of drafting, plain cheating from professional athletes and a total unwillingness of the referees to enforce the rules.

The 10m draft rule was ignored by most, and when the referees ignored the problem it gave the athletes the green light to carry on and creep closer and closer. This was a draft legal Ironman 70.3 World Championships. The implications for the future of an aspiring (still working, not funded, not sponsored) Pro triathlete are clear – I am not sure there is one. I am racing a draft legal event, which does not suit my strengths.

I am reaching the stage where triathlon has to be supporting me in someway, through prize money or sponsorship, and with my results suffering from drafting this becomes increasingly unlikely to happen. The prize money in the sport is so meagre that 10th at the Pro World Championships would not even cover my costs of getting to the race. When you are competing for such vital resources, sponsorship and prize money, the fact that drafting is permitted means clean riders have little hope.

Drafting is not a minor inconvenience for pro athletes who are not willing to compromise on the rules, it is threatening their whole careers.