Denise- IM Rules
7.Each participant is individually responsible for repair and maintenance of own bike. Assistance by anyone other than race personnel will be grounds for immediate disqualification. This necessarily disallows the use of back-up bikes. Each cyclist should be prepared to handle any possible mechanical malfunction.
(I just read that disc wheels are prohibited. That's weird, could have sworn I'd seen them...)
Also:
6.No individual support allowed. Ample aid and food stations will be provided. Friends, family members, coaches or supporters of any type may not bike or drive alongside contestant, may not pass food or other items to contestant and should be warned to stay completely clear of all participants to avoid the disqualification of a participant.
It is incumbent upon each contestant to immediately reject any attempt to assist, follow or escort.
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"...I'm like the cycling version of the guy in Flowers for Algernon." Mike Magnuson