I am hoping to compete in a triathlon next year. | Thread profile

Next year is the Hy-Vee Triathlon. I am hoping to compete in it on a relay team on the bicycle leg of it. If I can get permission to use my recumbent. I have sent an email to the contact person asking about it. Here is the web site for the event: http://www.hy-veetriathlon.com/ Has anyone ever seen a recumbent used in a ITU or USAT sanctioned race?

USAT rules - http://www.usatriathlon.org/Rules_Of...rules.htm#5 .11

Originally Posted by Dalai USAT rules - http://www.usatriathlon.org/Rules_Of...rules.htm#5 .11 I've already read the rules form ITU & USAT. There is a link to each one from the evetn web site. Both state I need to get permission prior to using a bike that is differant then what the rules state is allowed.

No worries. Worthwhile then emailing the race organisers and see if they will give permission.

Originally Posted by Dalai No worries. Worthwhile then emailing the race organisers and see if they will give permission. Thank you. Have you or anyone else ever seen a recumbent used on the bicycle leg of a triathlon? I know people have used a mtn bike or a hybrid. My main objective will be to finish. Granted 24 miles is not that far to ride & the route is pretty flat. But winning the relay...

I can't imagine why they wouldn't let you use a recumbent in the race. I've seen all kinds of bikes in plenty of events, ecspecially the mtn and hybrid bikes you already mentioned.

Bents are much more aero than uprights. They're generally not allowed in the same events as they have a massive aerodynamic advantage - and people are double-sticklers for that when there's a large prize purse! I'll be surprised if you are allowed to take it - if I were you, I'd do a bit of contingency planning and scrounge up a road bike just in case.

I got an email response about this. I can not use my recumbent in the race. Their reason is it is not recommended or approved due to the number of participants. So it has nothing to do with the aero advantage. But more like a safety concern? What bull****! How dangerous do they think riding a recumbent is anyway? I sent a response asking for a better explaination. I asked about is it because of ...

Originally Posted by N_C How dangerous do they think riding a recumbent is anyway? Triathletes aren't known for their exceptional bike handling skills...so probably more concerned for your safety from the other riders... On a serious note, sorry to hear they won't allow the recumbent.

They don't allow fixies for the same given reason. Still, now you know early, you can track down a road bike and get plenty of time on it.