Why is drafting allowed in Olympic Tri?

[Onno]

I know that drafting has been allowed in international Olympic distance triathlons for a while, but what's the logic behind allowing it? In the very few televised races I've seen with drafting, the races have been exactly the same--the lead bunch stick together for the swim and the bike, and then the fastest runner wins. This seems pretty boring. Doesn't not allowing drafting on the bike allow for more distance between athletes, meaning that there will be more passing and jockeying on the run, producing a more exciting, and perhaps more fair, race?

[Chris]

While watching a group of guys riding a bike is pretty boring for the uninitiated, just think what it is like to watch one guy. It was a marketing move.

[JMerring]

While watching a group of guys riding a bike is pretty boring for the uninitiated, just think what it is like to watch one guy. It was a marketing move.

i'd say rather that it is borne of practical reality - specifically, in such a short race, competitors are likely to be very close together so as a practical matter, it would be difficult to keep them sufficiently separated to ensure that no one drafts

[dauwhe]

I seem to recall some exciting bicycle racing where drafting was allowed.

If they want to spread out the field, 10k of a 10% climb should do the trick! Or cobblestones.

Dave

[Fixed]

it means they have to be able to swim or miss the train the racing starts with the run
some teams will have lead swimmer and cyclist to save their runner for the last ...
cheers imho

[Chris]

i'd say rather that it is borne of practical reality - specifically, in such a short race, competitors are likely to be very close together so as a practical matter, it would be difficult to keep them sufficiently separated to ensure that no one drafts

No, seriously. It wasn't conjecture on my part, I remember when it became legal leading up to Sydney. It was done to increase the appeal to the television viewer.

[jmc22]

Chris is correct, just prior to the Sydney games the IOC decided to allow drafting in the Tri event to held keep the field together and make for a more exciting finish and not just another boring runaway event.
Kinda stupid if you ask me...but they didn't.....

[andy mac]

totally boring and is a massive advantage for the 'runners'.

you think at least a few would make a pact to get away...

[frenk]

I watched the women tri yesterday and as I've seen in other instances it amazes me how bad they do ride with respect to drafting.

I mean instead of sitting behind someone and saving energy for what counts (i.e. running) they are all spread on the road, constantly riding two meters ahead or behind other riders :confused: