Rules and Violations
Race Rules
The Minnesota Border to Border Triathlon is a race that is heavily reliant on the honor system. We ask that competitors and support crews be cooperative, patient and at all times safety conscious. Safety is the number one concern for the MNB2B.
The race course is at the discretion of the Race Director and can be changed, deleted or altered at anytime.
Minnesota State Laws apply at all times to all roads and waterways.
- All teams must check-in each day an absolute minimum of 15 minutes before the official race start time, 30 minutes on canoe day. On interval start days you must check-in at least 15 minutes prior to the first start time.
- There are no restrictions on distances between exchanges on the bike and run segments. With the exception of “Jump Stops” which will be explained in the pre-race meetings.
- Each member of the team must compete in each day’s event. Minimum distances for the MNB2B are 25 miles per day biking, 5 miles running and 1 leg of paddling.
- All competitors must have a USA Triathlon card or single event permit. A USA Tri single event permit is included in the entry fee.
- Each team must have at least one additional member assisting as the support vehicle driver. The importance of your support crew cannot be stressed enough. (4 person teams may opt out).
- A “Caution, Race in Progress” sign and a fluorescent slow moving vehicle triangle is required on the rear of your support vehicle.
- Support vehicle must have TEAM NAME AND TEAM NUMBER clearly displayed on BOTH sides of vehicle. Emergency blinkers must be flashing at all times.
For Corporate Teams
- The 4-Person Team competing each day will need to be at the mandatory race meetings the
day prior to each day they race. - A “Team Roster” will need to be given to the Race Director one day prior to each race day.
- The 8-Person Team can be divided up in any way the team desires as long as four participants
are competing each day. - If a participant becomes injured and cannot continue to compete that day, the team will go
down to 3-Person Team for that day only.
BIKE DAYS
- Mass start for racers on Tuesday, Interval start for both events Wednesday.
- Support vehicles cannot pace bikers; neither from in front or behind.
- Support Vehicle must drive ahead to exchange area and park at far right of shoulder. (See the Race Book for parking guidelines).
- Do not park on corners or hills or in right turn lanes. You must be visible to traffic.
- Occupants of support vehicles must wear safety belts.
- Drafting will not be allowed. (Exceptions will be discussed at meetings.) *USAT Rules: 1-1/2 x 3 meters/15 seconds*
- Riders must be within 3 bike lengths at exchange.
- USA Triathlon approved helmets must be worn at all times when biking.
- Fairing and recumbent bikes are not allowed.
- Bikers must use shoulder of road whenever possible.
- Team number must be properly attached to bike frame and helmet.
RUN DAY
- Runners must tag off at the exchange.
CANOE DAY
- Minnesota state law requires that life vests must be in the canoe at all times. Due to insurance and liability issues, the MNB2B requires PFD’s to be worn at all times while in the canoe.
- Single blade paddles only.
- No littering of river or portages.
- No “shooting” of any of the rapids.
- Slower teams should allow faster traveling teams to pass while on portages.
- Olympic Canoes or Kayaks are not allowed.
- Unsafe vehicle or bicycle operation will not be tolerated.
children and observers of the race. Always be courteous and polite to everyone. Remember, we are invading their space. They may not be happy to see you!
USA Triathlon Rules
In order to minimize misunderstanding about USA Triathlon Rules on race day, please take the time to read the following reminders and the summary of Position Violations, commonly known as drafting rules.
A Few Helpful Reminders:
- Always have your chinstrap securely fastened – this violation is a DQ.
- Treat other athletes, volunteers and officials with courtesy and consideration. Failure to do so constitutes Unsportsmanlike Conduct – a DQ.
- Know the entire correct race course; study your maps before start time.
- Do not leave any equipment or personal gear on race course.
- Make sure your race number is visible at all times throughout the event.
Summary of Position Violations:
- Ride on the right side of your lane.
- Keep (3) lengths between yourself and the cyclist in front of you.
- Pass on the left of the cyclist in front, never on the right.
- Complete your pass within 15 seconds.
- If passed, you must drop completely out of the zone, to the rear, before attempting to re-pass.
Remember you are racing in a USA Triathlon sanctioned event and there are trained referees on the course to ensure fairness in competition. There will be NO WARNINGS if you commit a foul during competition. You must take personal responsibility to understand the rules and avoid penalties. At the end of the race all citations by the marshals are reviewed by the Head Referee who then decides if a penalty should be assessed. The Head Referee’s ruling is final in the case of Position Violations and there are no protests or appeals of Position penalties.
Official Protests
Generally, it is understood that this race operates on the honor system. However, if it is necessary to report a rules infraction, this protest form is being provided. In the event of an infraction, complete the following information and submit within ½ hour of the time the last team crosses the finish line on the same day as the infraction.
A representative from the race jury and both teams will meet after a decision has been made. The penalty will be assessed, if any, at this time.
Commonly Cited Violations
- Illegal Position or Blocking – Riding on the left side of the lane without passing.
- Illegal Pass – Passing on the right, or failing to drop back three (3) bike lengths before re-passing.
- Drafting – Following a leading cyclist closer than three (3) bike lengths and failing to pass or exit the draft zone within 15 seconds.
*Though Position Violations carry a time penalty for each occurrence, if you are cited for three (3) violations, you will be disqualified.
