Riders in this year's Life Time Grand Prix series will not be permitted to draft off those who aren't competing in the same category, organisers informed the series’ contestants this week.
Gravel and mountain bike races are often mass-start events, meaning various race categories—men and women, professionals and amateurs—tackle the course at around the same time. This format has led to several issues and controversies, particularly within the women’s professional field. Firstly, the starting frenzy and mingling of fields force riders to navigate heavy traffic before they can race on their own terms. Secondly, because inter-field drafting is legal, some female riders have capitalised on the presence of male riders to gain an advantage.
