SAY WHAT???? No wetsuits for IMWI this year???
If I read this correctly, it sounds like no wetsuits starting with IMWI this year unless you are ok with being knocked out orf AG awards and Kona slots (which let's face it, most of the 2000 that start aren't concerned abt anyway) but..... after 2 yrs of IMLOU I was looking forward to having a wetsuit for my first mass start.... AUUUGGGHHH (insert old smiley with hands grabbing head)
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World Triathlon Corporation (WTC), owners of the Ironman and Ironman 70.3 Series, announces modifications to several rules and regulations relating to the swim at U.S. races. Effective September 1, 2010, which is the start of Ironman's 2011 competition season, new rules for apparel and wetsuits will apply at all Ironman and 70.3 events in the U.S., including both World Championships. The amendments were made to further standardize rules in the Ironman/70.3 Series and ensure a fair playing field at events around the globe.
The changes will include the following:
• Swimwear and swim apparel must be comprised of 100 percent textile material, such as nylon or lycra, and may not include rubberized material such as polyurethane or neoprene. Swimwear may not cover the neck or extend past the shoulders or knees. Swimwear may contain a zipper. A race kit or trisuit may be worn underneath swimwear.
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• Wetsuits cannot measure more than 5 millimeters thick.
• Wetsuits may be worn in water temperatures up to and including 24.5 degrees Celsius/76.1 degrees Fahrenheit. Athletes who choose to wear a wetsuit in water temperatures exceeding 24.5 degrees C /76.1 degrees F will not be eligible for awards, including World Championship slots. Wetsuits will be prohibited in water temperatures greater than 28.8 degrees C/84 degrees F.
“Ironman recognizes the importance of showcasing the competitive element at all events. We believe these amendments place more emphasis on performance and function and less on technology, therefore staying true with the Ironman spirit,” says Ironman’s Head of Officials, Jimmy Riccitello.
Ironman's rule changes are consistent with rule changes adopted by swimming and triathlon’s international governing bodies, FINA and ITU, respectively.
Comments
Kris,
I think you misunderstood:
Wetsuits may be worn in water temperatures up to and including 24.5 degrees Celsius/76.1 degrees Fahrenheit. Athletes who choose to wear a wetsuit in water temperatures exceeding 24.5 degrees C /76.1 degrees F will not be eligible for awards, including World Championship slots. Wetsuits will be prohibited in water temperatures greater than 28.8 degrees C/84 degrees F.
76F with a wetsuit is a HOT swim. I'm very, very, very sure that IMWI will be well below 76F = you're safe.
Or so I think...
P
Darn you WTC for messing with me again...... So wouldn't it just have been simpler just to have said the part about the swimwear, since that appears to be the ONLY change? I think I need a vacation!!!
I'm not sure how they will enforce this rule at most races though as they can't stop obvious drafting, how are they going to measure the how thick a wetsuit is and track which AGers are wearing them and which are not for the results.
FWIW, IMWI water temp was over 76 last year and therefore I would not have been able to wear a wetsuit. In hindsight though, I was pretty warm in my full suit last year and very glad to get it off after the swim. I believe the actual temp was around 78 so most people could still wear a wetsuit with the new rule. There were some pros bitching on Monday morning after the madison last year, because technically the pros should not have been allowed to race in wetsuits and most still did. This was unusual and typically it is in the low to mid 70s, but for some reason it was warm last year.
Glad I have been taking swim lessons again and am getting my time down...some day I will go under 1:00 wetsuit or not!
Just about any wetsuit is faster than a speedsuit, so if the temp is under 76.1 I know I will be wearing a wetsuit instead of a speedsuit, and if the temp is over 76.1 I'm not allowed to wear a speedsuit. Therefore I do not personally see a reason to have a speedsuit anymore. However, for folks that don't care about kona spots or placing, they could decide to wear a speedsuit as long as the water is under 84.
Of course non-WTC races have different rules, but most of us in the haus are focues on WTC events.
Thanks Matt.