Mike Murray

I agree although I have to note that occasionally the break will also fail because they neutralize and the size of the passing field will bring them within catching range. The applicable rule is:

15.1.3 Field passing
Should a field catch another field of racers that started separately
(except in a Handicap Race) the slower field will slow and ride at
a neutral speed as soon as practical after they are caught by the
faster field or its lead car to allow the faster field to pass. They
will then continue to ride at a neutral slowed pace until the faster
field is 300 meters ahead or until they are released by an official
attending their race. The field being passed will stay to the far right
of the road allowing room for the passing field unless instructed by
an official otherwise. Passes will not occur in the final 2 kilometers
of a race. Riders will not pass unless there is clear space to pass
subject to rule 15.1.2.

If everyone does this there should be little advantage for either the break or the field. Unfortunately there are no on the road officials to police this. People who violate the rule can be reported to the officials. Generally if someone is reported the info collected at the finish line will confirm that someone cheated but without a report it is difficult or impossible to identify that from the finish line.

Mike Murray

-----Original Message-----
From: OBRA [mailto:obra-bounces@list.obra.org] On Behalf Of Isaac
Sent: Tuesday, June 24, 2014 10:51
To: obra@list.obra.org
Subject: [OBRA Chat] PIR Neutralize

Several times this year I've seen breaks in the 3/4 field benefit greatly from the neutrals. I've even seen people hitch a ride with the passing field and jump off at the breakaway group. It's a bummer, but not surprising that some people show up for an ego boost - however they can get it.

I think the best resolution is working on my Tony Martin impression and singlehandedly shut down the breaks. Hasn't exactly worked so far but it's good to have goals...
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Micah

Wholeheartedly agree about the 4/5 race. It's pretty frustrating to see a group break when the pack is calling out neutral. Not to mention dangerous when the neutral is for the last lap of the 1/2 race. Nice racing with all of you on Monday though, that 18 laps was brutal.

rond..@spiritone.com

That was good Isaac! No comment on the folks who do that stuff.
But.... you could try mt. bike or cross. We just call the other cats on the
course....traffic.
I never can catch on the break away group as well. That goal only seems to
be in my mind!
have fun out there.
ron

-----Original Message-----
From: Isaac
Sent: Tuesday, June 24, 2014 10:50 AM
To: obra@list.obra.org
Subject: [OBRA Chat] PIR Neutralize

Several times this year I've seen breaks in the 3/4 field benefit greatly
from the neutrals. I've even seen people hitch a ride with the passing field
and jump off at the breakaway group. It's a bummer, but not surprising that
some people show up for an ego boost - however they can get it.

I think the best resolution is working on my Tony Martin impression and
singlehandedly shut down the breaks. Hasn't exactly worked so far but it's
good to have goals...
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OBRA mailing list
obra@list.obra.org
http://list.obra.org/mailman/listinfo/obra
Unsubscribe: obra-unsubscribe@list.obra.org

Isaac

Several times this year I've seen breaks in the 3/4 field benefit greatly from the neutrals. I've even seen people hitch a ride with the passing field and jump off at the breakaway group. It's a bummer, but not surprising that some people show up for an ego boost - however they can get it.

I think the best resolution is working on my Tony Martin impression and singlehandedly shut down the breaks. Hasn't exactly worked so far but it's good to have goals...

Michael

If I'm not mistaken, the idea is to be listening/attentive for people calling out that we're being overtaken...instead what I feel like I see over and over again is a group that won't get off the gas and subsequently breaks off the front. Not cool! It was a reoccurring problem last night on the 4/5 race (particularly for those of us that sat up and watched a group break off the front with 2 laps to go!), but I see it weekly in both the 3/4 and 4/5 races.
Pay attention and be polite out there folks!