Long-distance triathlon glossary·Stop-and-go

Penalty : stop-and-go zone in triathlon

Intensity

4-5 minute penalty imposed for drafting or rule infringement, to be served in a dedicated tent.

In non-drafting long-distance triathlon, the penalty tent punishes bike drafting (staying in another competitor's draft within 12 m in IM, 10 m in 70.3), unsafe riding, or non-compliant equipment. A referee issues a penalty card; the athlete must report to the tent and stay for 4 minutes (full IM) or 5 minutes (70.3). Failing to report = disqualification (DSQ).

In TriPaced:

In TriPaced, the Race A sheet reminds you of drafting distance rules (12 m in IM, 10 m in 70.3) and the usual location of the penalty tent on the bike course, so you don't miss it under race stress.

Related terms

  • Dropbag : gear bag staged in the transition area
  • Race nutrition : fueling effort without crashing
  • Transition : T1 (swim-to-bike) and T2 (bike-to-run)
  • Cramps : Muscle cramps during racing
  • Heat management : Thermoregulation in racing
  • Energy gel : concentrated carbohydrate fuel