World Ironman record holder for the 70-74 age-group, Les Bailey, recently added another medal to his already large tally of sporting accolades. Following his decision to retire from Ironman racing after achieving his hugely commendable World Record at Ironman Lanzarote, he turned his focus to Ironman 70.3 and the recent World Championships in Florida. Normally a very easy-going, jolly chap, Les came away from the race somewhat perturbed by the blatant drafting and he felt the need to get it off his chest (see below). Drafting aside though, it hasn't dampened his spirits and Les is proud of the silver medal he won, 'without the need of illegal drafting!'

Having qualified to compete at the Ironman 70.3 World Championships by winning my age category (70-74yrs) at the Ironman Monaco 70.3, I was full of excitement to be flying off to sunny Clearwater, Florida, for the race and was looking forward to the start and finish at the famous Pier 60.

Race day came bright and clear with the air temperature around the mid 70’s . After a reasonable swim over the 1.2 mile out and back course, in a fairly calm sea, I was pleased to get out on the one circuit flat 56 mile bike sector - where I knew I would gain back a few positions in my age-group. However a big surprise was to take place! Despite a very detailed explanation of the non-drafting ruling, (including a piece of rope measured at seven metres, to clearly demonstrate four bike lengths), by the race referee on the day before the race, and the clear warning that drafting offenders would be penalised by a four minute penalty, a large number of competitors, both male and female, were quite blatantly drafting.

The race started with five minute intervals according to age groups. The elite male and female were first off, followed by older age-groups with the youngest starting last. At about 20 miles a group, of at least 30 riders, sped past me as if in a road race - during the rest of the race at least six similar size groups continued to pass. Occasionally you would see a draft-buster on his motorbike yelling out that they would be penalised – but what hope of reading race numbers in such large packs! It was blatant drafting by many competitors and no doubt quite a number were age-group winners!

To me it was a very sad state of affairs and it spoilt what was an otherwise excellent World Championship Ironman 70.3 race.

Anyway, despite this complaint, I experienced a satisfying race and managed to win a Silver medal for second place in the 70-74yrs category, without the need of illegal drafting.