Regulations for TriStar, Youth and Junior Draft-Legal Racing
Generally, for rules pertaining to cycling World Triathlon takes its lead from world cycling’s governing body the UCI and this is the case when it comes to wheels. While the BTF has separate wheel regulations for children’s draft legal racing (see below) the age groups that race internationally, in general, fall in line with World Triathlon and therefore UCI wheel regulations – this is particularly the case when it comes to what are referred to as ‘non-standard’ (e.g. carbon) wheels.
As draft legal events, like bunch races in cycling, occur in large packs that race in close proximity the UCI, and therefore World Triathlon, believe it is important that all wheels are safe and strong enough so, all manufacturers who would like their wheels used in UCI or World Triathlon draft legal events have to have their wheels stress tested. The UCI does not require ‘standard’ wheels to be tested, however all ‘non-standard’ wheels must be tested and those that pass the relevant tests are listed on the UCI non-standard approved wheel list. If a wheel is not listed it CANNOT be used in draft legal racing. It is also important to understand that it is the manufacturers responsibility to get their wheels tested so NOT all wheels appear on the list as some manufacturers choose not to test them. As such it is crucial that before purchasing ANY ‘non-standard’ wheels you ALWAYS check the UCI wheel list to ensure that they’re listed.
The UCI wheel lists are linked below and can also be found in app stores and downloaded onto your smart phone, please search ‘UCI Wheel List Browser’
TriStars
Will ride on standard or traditional wheels ONLY. A traditional wheel for this age group is defined as:
- a rim made of aluminium (carbon rims are not permitted)
- a maximum rim depth of 35mm
- a minimum of 16 spokes which can be round, flattened or oval
- spokes which do not exceed 3mm in width1
Youths (NB Youth B athletes will be considered as Youths when racing in the Youth category and Juniors when racing in the Junior category)
Will ride on
EITHER
A standard or traditional wheel defined as:
- a rim made of aluminium (carbon rims are not permitted)
- a maximum rim depth of 35mm
- a minimum of 16 spokes which can be round, flattened or oval
- spokes which do not exceed 3mm in width
OR
Wheels that are found on the UCI non-standard approved wheel lists
For more information on the UCI wheel lists click here
UCI Wheel Lists Explained
Due to a redefinition of the standard or traditional wheel by the UCI in 2016 there were some changes made to how a traditional wheel is defined. The effect of this is that 2 wheel lists are now in use.
Please read the following carefully so you are clear which list you need to check:
- All wheels approved prior to 31/12/2015 are still legal and can be used in competition. Please check here for that list.
- All wheels that are either new or produced since 01/01/2016 or produced prior to 01/01/2016 but not approved on the pre-2016 lists are subject to this list - please note that new wheels are added all the time so if buying/checking new wheels please check the date (in red) in the top left hand corner of the first page of the document to ensure you have a current up to date copy. Please check here that list.
Juniors (and Seniors)
Will ride on
EITHER
A standard or traditional wheel as defined by the UCI
- a rim made of aluminium
- a rim height of less than 25mm
- a minimum number of 20 steel spokes which are detachable
- all components must be identifiable and commercially available
OR
Wheels that are found on the UCI non-standard approved wheel lists
For more information on the UCI wheel lists click here
UCI Wheel Lists Explained
Due to a redefinition of the standard or traditional wheel by the UCI in 2016 there were some changes made to how a traditional wheel is defined. The effect of this is that 2 wheel lists are now in use.
Please read the following carefully so you are clear which list you need to check:
- All wheels approved prior to 31/12/2015 are still legal and can be used in competition. Please check here for that list.
- All wheels that are either new or produced since 01/01/2016 or produced prior to 01/01/2016 but not approved on the pre-2016 lists are subject to this list - please note that new wheels are added all the time so if buying/checking new wheels please check the date (in red) in the top left hand corner of the first page of the document to ensure you have a current up to date copy. Please check here that list.
Age-Group Competitors
For wheel regulations relating to draft-legal Age-Group competitions in Britain, click here:(https://www.britishtriathlon.org/britain/documents/age-group/policies-and-guidelines/draft-legal-athlete-guidance.pdf)
Important other regulations and information to be aware of:
Disc Brakes - British Triathlon follows ITU Competition Rules for draft-legal racing and disc brakes are now permitted for use in all domestic and international competitions. It is important to understand that disc brakes are also legal in all non-drafting formats of the sport, this includes any children races that are non-drafting.
Technological Fraud - this is basically looking to ensure that no athletes have hidden motors in their bikes and follows on from the well publicised finding at the World Cyclo-Cross Championships in 2016. There will be checks internationally only for the time being. When checked athletes bikes will be scanned and if anomalies are found more extensive investigation will then take place.
