Drafting rules:

The Black Bear Duathlon is a non drafting race. The following is a summary of Position Violations, also known as the drafting rules.

• Ride on the right side of your lane.
• Keep three bike lengths between yourself and the cyclist in front of you.
• Pass on the left of the cyclist in front, never on the right.
• Complete your pass within 15 seconds.
• If passed, you must drop completely out of the three bike length zone, to the rear, before attempting to re-pass.

Most commonly cited violations:

USAT certified referees will be out on the course to ensure fairness in competition. Duathlon is an individual sport and the participant must take personal responsibility to understand the rules and avoid penalties. Most common cited violations are:

• Position – riding on the left side of the lane without passing.
• Blocking – left side riding and impeding the forward progress of another competitor.
• Illegal Passing – passing on the right.
• Overtaking – failing to drop back three bike lengths before re-passing.
• Drafting – following a leading cyclist closer than three bike lengths and failing to pass within 15 seconds.

There will be no warnings if a foul is committed during competition. At the end of the race all citations by the marshals are reviewed by the Head Referee who then decides if a penalty should be assessed.

The Head Referee’s ruling is final in case of Position Violations and there are no protests or appeals of Position Penalties.

Position violations carry a time penalty for first offense, two citations will result in an additional penalty and if you are cited for three violations, you will be disqualified. Be sure to check the penalty sheet before you leave the race site and talk to the Head Referee if you have any questions.

Helmets:

Make sure you helmet is a CPSC approved model. All legally sold helmets in the USA are CPSC approved. Older helmets or those purchased in another country might be illegal for use in USAT sanctioned events. It is your responsibility to find out if your helmet is a CPSC approved model.

Always have your chinstrap securely fastened – before, during and after the event. Not complying means disqualification. The chin strap rule is an easy rule to follow, so do not forget.

Race numbers and Body markings:

There are 4 different race numbers involved: Body markings, Bib number, Helmet number and Bike number. Make sure that they are properly affixed and visible at all time.

Audio devices:

Carrying and/or using any portable audio device is not allowed during the race.

Environment:

Duathlon is an environmentally friendly sport. Do not leave your trash on the course – discard it at the appropriate sites on the route.

Courtesy and Sportsmanship:

Treat other Athletes, Police, Marshals, Volunteers, Officials and Spectators with courtesy and consideration. Not doing so is unsportsmanlike and will lead to disqualification.