Athletes or non-athletes (relatives, friends, companions, etc.) may not provide essential race equipment to other athletes in the same competition, while the competition is in progress. Specifically, items that may not be provided to other athletes includes but is not limited to complete bicycles, bicycle frames, wheels and helmets. The penalty
for this will be disqualification of both athletes. Athletes may provide to other
athletes competing in the same competition other items of equipment provided that the donor is able to continue with their own competition.
An athlete cannot physically assist the forward progress of another athlete. This will result in DSQ. If the athlete receiving assistance accepts it is not actively trying to reject this assistance, he will be DSQ.
1. General Principle
- Athletes must complete the competition entirely under their own ability and using their own equipment.
- Any assistance that affects fairness or the individual effort of another athlete is prohibited.
- Athletes are responsible for the management of their equipment and their own race performance.
2. Prohibited Provision of Essential Race Equipment
- During the race, athletes (or non-athletes) may not provide essential race equipment to other competitors.
- Essential race equipment includes, but is not limited to:
- Complete bicycles
- Bicycle frames
- Wheels
- Helmets
- Any equipment required for an athlete to continue the race
- Provision of essential equipment will result in Disqualification (DSQ) of both the donor and the recipient athlete.
3. Permitted Provision of Non-Essential Equipment
- Athletes may provide non-essential items only if the donor can continue the race without disadvantage.
- Items must not confer a competitive advantage or violate any other competition rules.
- Examples of potentially permitted items:
- Water or nutrition items (gels, bars)
- Small personal items not required to continue racing
4. Physical Assistance
- Athletes (or non-athletes) are not permitted to physically assist another athlete’s forward progress.
- Prohibited actions include:
- Pushing or pulling
- Supporting the body of another athlete
- Any contact intended to improve speed or position
- Physical assistance will result in immediate Disqualification (DSQ).
5. Responsibility of Both Athletes
- An athlete receiving assistance must actively reject it.
- Acceptance of assistance, or failure to resist, results in Disqualification (DSQ) for the athlete receiving help, in addition to any sanctions applied to the assisting athlete.
6. Role of Technical Officials
- Technical Officials may determine:
- Whether equipment is essential
- Whether assistance affected race progress or fairness
- Whether the athlete accepted or attempted to reject assistance
7. Athlete Responsibility
- Athletes are responsible for completing the race independently.
- Ignorance of the rules is not an excuse.
- Any doubts are interpreted in favor of safety and fair competition.
Πηγή: World Triathlon