JUNIOR TRIATHLETES GEAR RESTRICTIONS
In certain races for TS2 and TS3 athletes you may see that the event is ‘Gear Restricted’. What this means is that anyone taking part must have gears where the highest gears are prevented from being used. So, in effect this forces the riders to pedal quickly to go fast rather than grind away in a big gear. The reason BTF enforces this on young riders is below.
IMPROVED PEDALLING TECHNIQUE
Simply restricting gears requires riders to improve their pedalling technique.
DEVELOPMENT OF RACE-CRAFT
Gear restrictions help groups to form giving riders the opportunity to develop their race-craft, decision making and tactical understanding.
IMPACT OF PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT
More physically developed athletes currently can rely on riding bigger gears to beat less developed athletes. Reliance on power doesn’t work at senior level; race-craft, guile and decision making make the difference.
ENERGY EXPENDITURE
A higher cadence in stochastic (drafting) racing saves energy and is more efficient. Restricting gears helps develop a higher cadence.
COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE
A high number of senior athletes (male and female) in drafting triathlon do not pedal well. Exploiting this has performance impact for our athletes internationally.
ATHLETE DEVELOPMENT
Whichever path an athlete follows; drafting, non-drafting or lifelong participation, the opportunity to develop efficient pedalling technique will be of benefit.
ATHLETE EDUCATION
Learning to restrict gears means athletes will have to develop a keener understanding of how their bike works mechanically.
REDUCED INJURY RISK
A lot of young athletes ride bikes set up for adults that are inappropriate for their stage of physical development. Riding age appropriate gears lowers the force production needed through each pedal stroke and reduces injury risk.
The following documents aim to provide all the info you will require on Gear Restrictions in Youth and Children’s' racing:
Parent & Athlete Info
Chainrings Info
Gear & Max Rollout Distance
Cassette Info
Restrict Gears (Front Mech)
Restrict Gears (Back Mech)
Check your Gears using a roll out
Options available to you
Chainset Info
Restrict Gears (Di2)
Bikes are measured on race day by a roll-out, please see our video online.
• At events athletes will have access to practice rollout areas prior to registration.
• Athletes will need to arrive at events with bikes restricted – at some events there will be coaches who might be able to assist with mechanics, this will be sporadic and should not be relied upon.
• You will not be allowed to race unless your bike rolls out within the age appropriate gear limits.
• Please ensure you arrive at least 30min earlier to any event that is gear restricted to ensure you have enough time to use the practice roll out area and make any last-minute adjustments should they be required for your bike to roll out within gear limits before getting your bike officially checked.
For videos on how to restrict gears please see below: