Less than a week before the Life Time Gravel Series kicks off in Monterey, California USA on 10 April, the organizers have announced a huge rule change via email – “no drafting behind riders who are not in your race category.”
Adding, “We are taking these steps to put clear rules in place to prevent race outcomes from being influenced by riders from other categories.”
While the email did not comment on how such a rule might define “drafting” and be enforced with upwards of 1000 mass start elite and amateur competitors racing simultaneously off-road, the intent is to create fair competition for all.
With elite men and women competing for a $380,000 prize payout, while amateur age-groupers race for all-important bragging rights, previous Life Time Gravel Series participants have complained about riders receiving help and an unfair advantage from athletes in other categories.
The new rule hopes to alleviate that problem, but first Life Time needs to communicate the specific details of the “no drafting” rule before racing starts in 6 days, 5 days… while also likely preparing to field a slew of post-race complaints and protests.
Photo Credit: Life Time
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