Sam Laidlow speaks out: “There is no equality at 12 meters.”

Sam Laidlow, world champion HOMBRE DE HIERRO 2023 in Nice, has once again placed itself at the center of the debate. This time not for a feat on the bike, but for its firm stance against the current regulations Drafting in long-distance competitions.

Speaking to TRI247The French triathlete was blunt: “A race is only fair with a 20-meter separation.”

Laidlow publicly supports the regulation of Challenge Family, which requires a distance of 20 meters between cyclists, as opposed to the 12 meters still applied by IRONMAN and some Challenge events such as Roth, where curiously he himself won in 2024.

Why are 12 meters no longer enough?

Laidlow argues that the 12-meter distance still allows for groups to form that alter the outcome. At that distance, even without the intention of taking advantage of slipstreams, the aerodynamic effect It is significant, especially when several triathletes are riding in a row.

In his words, this not only distorts the results, but also penalizes those who choose to compete alone. "At 20 meters, the advantage disappears. Only then can individual performance be rewarded."

Publishes RaceRanger data to prove his point

In an unusual gesture, Laidlow has released the RaceRanger data. of the Challenge Roth, showing which athletes rode too close and for how long. Its intention: to show that, even with regulations, they are not always followed.

This decision has sparked debate on social media, but many fellow riders have agreed with him. For Laidlow, transparency is the first step toward real change.

Joe Skipper also attacks motorcycles in the race

The British Joe Skipper, another veteran of the circuit, has added fuel to the fire. Although he agrees on the importance of the 20 meters, his criticism has focused on another point: the camera motorcycles, judges and assistance.

“I've chosen my races this year based on those with the fewest motorcycles. I don't want one motorcycle to decide the podium,” said Skipper, who has witnessed firsthand how the close presence of motorcycles can disrupt the cycling world, pulling a more powerful backwash than a rival.

Is a rule change imminent?

Sam Laidlow's position, supported by data and other professionals, is putting pressure on organizers. Challenge Family has already implemented the 20-meter distance in many events, while IRONMAN maintains the 12-meter distance as the standard. The inconsistency in rules between races of the same type (long distance without drafting) is becoming unsustainable.

In a sport where the margins are getting tighter and historic times are falling year after year, Ensuring equity is more important than everAnd triathletes like Laidlow aren't willing to stay silent.

According to these athletes, long-distance triathlon must move toward clearer, fairer, and more equal rules for all. And if that means extending drafting to 20 meters, it seems there are already more than a few willing to fight for it.