Here is straight from the USAT website. I know it is long-winded but it is important stuff.
http://rankings.usatriathlon.org/Rules_Officials/rules.htm#Article_V
5.10 Position Fouls.
In accordance with the
Rules as set forth in this Section, a participant is not permitted to
position his bicycle in the proximity of another moving vehicle so as
to benefit from reduced air resistance. While on the cycling course,
participants shall not work together to improve performance,
efficiency, or position by teamwork or other joint conduct. A variable
time penalty shall be imposed for any violation of this section. This
section shall not apply to off-road triathlons and duathlons and shall
be excluded from enforcement at those events.
(a) Illegal Positioning.
Except as otherwise provided in these Rules, while on the cycling
course, no participant shall permit his drafting zone to intersect with
or remain intersected with the drafting zone of another participant or
that of a motor vehicle. With respect to a motor vehicle (including
authorized race vehicles), it is the athlete's responsibility to move
out of the vehicle's drafting zone or to continually communicate to the
vehicle to move away.
(b) Definition of Drafting Zone. The
term "drafting zone" shall refer to a rectangular area seven (7) meters
long and two (2) meters wide surrounding each bicycle. The longer sides
of the zone begin at the leading edge of the front wheel and run
backward parallel to the bicycle; the front wheel divides the short
side of the zone into two equal parts. With respect to a moving motor
vehicle, the "drafting zone" is a rectangular area extending 15 meters
to each side of the vehicle and 30 meters behind the vehicle.
(c) Right-of-Way.
A participant is generally entitled to assume any otherwise proper
location on the cycling course provided that the participant arrives in
the position first without contacting another participant. When taking
a position near another participant, however, a cyclist shall not crowd
the other participant and shall allow reasonable space for the other
participant to make normal movement without making contact.
(d) Blocking. Cyclists who have established the right of way must not block or obstruct the progress of another participant.
(e) Passing.
A participant who approaches another cyclist from the rear or from
another unfavorable position bears primary responsibility for avoiding
a position foul even if the cyclist being approached decreases speed. A
participant must not attempt to pass another cyclist unless adequate
space is available and the athlete is confident of his/her ability to
pass the other cyclist. All passing is to be done to the left of the
cyclist being overtaken unless otherwise specified.
(f) Position.
Except for reasons of safety and when no advantage is gained, all
cyclists shall keep to the right of the prescribed course unless
passing.
(g) Being Overtaken. When the leading
edge of the front wheel of one cyclist passes beyond the front wheel of
another cyclist, the second cyclist has been "overtaken" within the
meaning of these Rules. A cyclist who has been overtaken bears primary
responsibility for avoiding a position foul and must immediately move
to the rear and out of the drafting zone of the passing cyclist. The
overtaken cyclist shall first move completely out of the drafting zone
of the other cyclist before attempting to re-pass the other cyclist. In
no case, however, shall a participant move into the path of another
participant possessing the right of way.
(h) Exceptions. A participant may enter the drafting zone without penalty only under the following conditions:
(1) When entering the drafting zone from the rear, closing the gap, and overtaking all within no more than 15 seconds.
(2)
When cyclist reduce speed for safety reasons, for course blockage, for
an aid station, for an emergency, when entering or exiting a transition
area, or when making a turn of 90 degrees or more; or
(3)
When USA Triathlon or the Head Referee expressly excludes a section of
the bicycle course from the position foul Rules because of overly
narrow lanes, construction, detours, or a similar reason.
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