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"It's Very Easy" - To follow the rules that is!

Rob Howard / 20.09.2009

One of Race Director Peter Weinig's regular comments during the race briefing was "it's very easy". He was referring to following the rules and as they are written very clearly, he's right, but he knows from past races that a simple instruction like wearing the race vest on top at all times, or not riding in transition, will be broken by someone during the race! And he made it very clear he would penalise teams who infringed any rules. "We don't want to penalise anyone, but I'm a German, so I like rules and will follow them," he said with a smile.

The well presented 'Athlete Book' has all the information a team will need, including the rules, and although most are very familiar (distance rules, timing, etc.) there are a couple which are a bit different.

One of the more innovative rules is an 'opt-out' at the technical ropes sections for those who do not want to step of the cliff or make the jump. This happens from time to time and apart from stressing the athlete such a situation can also hold up other teams at busy ropes sections, which in such a fast paced race is a real problem. So, for this race there is always an alternate which is a trail run loop with an additional time penalty, but those opting out are not unranked.

What's more there is also a 5 second rule for 'refusers'. When the race marshal says 'jump' or 'go' the racers havw 5 seconds to start or they are pulled off to allow the next racer forward. They get one more go, but another delay means they are counted as taking the opt-out. (And if there is queue the race ensures the opt-out can't be used to advantage by making the penalty much longer than any wait.)

If there are any queues the race also operates a policy of 'it pays to be first' so if there is a wait the clock keeps running and there are no time credits. The organisation are strict on the presentation of the event too, asking all teams to wear matching kit and to cross the line all 4 together and even making celebrating compulsory! This is because the finish time, taken using a wrist worn timing chip, is taken a few metres before the finish banner (I'm not sure why) and the media have complained teams then collapse and don't run across the line ... so crossing together is compulsory! (As a photographer I approve.)

There are also penalties for littering and taking food or drink containers out of transition areas, cutting switchbacks and other unfair activities. Hopefully everyone go the message (the briefing was in English and Chinese) and penalties will not affect the race too much as the top teams are likely to be only a few minutes apart.

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