Obviously I also struggle with the drafting issue, “to tell, or not to tell”. After speaking with my husband about it after I got home, I was sorry that I did not report it. And I would have used names/numbers…
It is too late now, I’ll have to live with my decision not to. You only have a certain amount of time after the race to report your complaint. Next time I won’t worry so much about what other people might think and instead go with my gut.
I know there was an OAT official out there on a bike…I think they zoomed by me once, when I was almost done the bike. Speaking with a few people who’ve been around the triathlon block, apparently the official was told to stay near the leader…kind of a useless place to be when the leader is so far in front (as was the case in this race) and really the problems are likely just a little further back among the main chasers. Last year at NOTL I started in the first wave with the top guys and saw drafting the whole race AND the OAT official was there 2-3 times. Hovered beside them for a while, but never pulled anyone over. I couldn’t understand it because they were totally drafting on purpose and for the majority of the race. Afterwards when I reported it to the OAT official in transition I suggested he speak with the OAT official who was out on the bike to confirm my story. Only then were the 2 athletes penalized.
It is too bad that this even has to be an issue. I would expect more from the athletes who share with me a passion for this great sport.

Another great race! You are truely an inspisring athlete with a great outlook on sportsmanship (re: taking second place with class).

On the other note, rules (specifically drafting) are a great topic of discussion. I have seen this many times in my short racing life and have heard many stories of drafters getting away with bending the rules as the offcials cannot be everywhere on the course. It is too bad we have so many athletes looking for the edge by means of cheating. I don’t think I would mention names to the official but would definately make them aware that it is a concern and ask them how they can help eliminate the problem.

My husband thinks I should have reported them to the OAT official. I did this once before, last year at NOTL where I was with 2 guys who drafted the entire time. I memorized their numbers and reported to OAT at the end. I think they got 3mins added to their times. OAT prefers it if there is at least one other athlete to verify what you saw. I should have reported them yesterday but I sort of feel like a “tattle-tale”. I know I shouldn’t, because they are breaking the rules and it is not fair to everyone else. What would you do?