New rules for IRONMAN races

Here are the most important new rules for Ironman and triathlon races starting in 2025:

1. Drafting Penalties and Drafting Zone

The penalties for violating the drafting ban have been reduced:
- Long distance: 3 minutes (previously 5 minutes)
- Medium distance: 2 minutes (previously 5 minutes)
- Olympic distance: 1 minute (previously 2 minutes)
- Sprint distance: 30 seconds (previously 1 minute)

The slipstream zone has been standardized to 12 meters, and the overtaking maneuver must be completed within 25 seconds.

2. Prohibition of items for aerodynamics

It is no longer permitted to wear water bottles or other items in the racing suit that could improve aerodynamics.

3. There are limitations on the transport of beverage bottles.

Front-mounted hydration systems may have a maximum capacity of 2 liters. There is no limit on the number of bottles. This would still allow for 4 bottle cages with 4 bottles of 500ml each, or three bottles with one 500ml and two others of 750ml each. However, saddle-mounted bottle cages are clearly limited to two. The two bottles may not exceed a maximum volume of 1 liter per bottle. This will make it impossible to transport three bottles behind the saddle in the future. Bottles or liquids in the frame or frame triangle are not affected.

4. Length of extension is limited.

From now on, the aerobars must not extend beyond the front wheel, so that the handling of the bike is not impaired.

5. Dress code

Elite athletes are now allowed to wear uniforms with sleeves that reach the elbow. Long fingernails and jewelry are prohibited at elite races; watches may only be worn with the permission of the chief referee.

6. Water quality when swimming

The limits for enterococci and E. coli have been relaxed from "excellent" to "good". Decisions about canceling swimming due to water quality are now made by a panel.

7. Introduction of a new transgender category

There is a new open age group category for transgender athletes to create fair competition conditions.

8. Further Changes

Mixed relay races will now follow the order of woman-man-woman-man. Sprint races will receive the same number of ranking points as longer distances. Athlete briefings will take place the day before the race at 4 p.m.

These changes aim to promote fairness, safety, and consistency in the competitions.

Please always observe the current regulations.