Originally Posted by
zoom-zoom
Today I had TWO issues during an open course duathlon race with participants wearing headphones. First one was in the first transition...kid is moseying through a narrow aisle...totally oblivious of the people actually running to their bikes during a RACE. I had to yell at him to get out of the way.
Second instance was trying to get around another cyclist weaving around while wearing headphones. I called on-your-left...person continued to weave, then looked sort of startled to see me there.
Headphones should NEVER be allowed during multi-sport events. Not ever! This is a brand new race, so I think organizers were being uber-relaxed to attract a bigger field. This field was, by far, the highest percentage of new racers I've ever encountered at a duathlon. I love that so many people are trying a fun multisport event, but it makes me very nervous to see so many who are inexperienced AND adding such an unnecessary element to the race. A race on hilly, curvy roads with cars and nearly 100 other participants.
Bad, bad move for race organizers to set such a relaxed precedent, IMO. Now they will have a b!tch of a time ever implementing a stricter headphones policy in the future.