Handle-Bar Policy
The policy related to the use of aero-handlebars was posted on our website in May 2008 stating:
“The use of aero-handlebars is prohibited as of the 2009 edition.”
Because of the position of the rider adopted while in this aero position, one could argue that good handling skills are required. This may not be the case in countries or jurisdictions where roads could be described as “big open-road expanse, devoid of curves and trees” or perhaps “wide, flat, straight and in excellent conditions”.
Part of what makes the VUELTA: Lighthouse Cycling Tour of Puerto Rico so attractive is its small, narrow and winding roads that take its participants through the most beautiful coastal areas of the island. Having said this, it is the consenting opinion of many riders, that using aero-handlebars in Puerto Rico increases the possibility of a mishap. As a matter of fact, the two most serious accidents of the past edition of the VUELTA: Lighthouse Cycling Tour of Puerto Rico have involved riders riding in the aero position with aero-handlebars. Both riders were extremely experienced including a World Record Holder for distance and speed. For the record, both recovered quickly and were able to continue and finish the VUELTA.
For the purposes of this policy, the use of aerobars in the aero position is defined as any person that “rest” his/her elbows and/or hands on the aerobars forming what is considered to be the aero position while riding his/her bike. This position is generally used by triathletes in triathlons, by time trialists in Time Trials and by the lonely randonneur or ultra-cyclists. This position usually shifts the center of gravity of the rider to another position that often requires more time to reach brakes, could require fractions of a second to reach out for the brakes and often requires literally letting go of the handlebars all together. This may not seem significantly important while riding alone or in very small groups, however, in the VUELTA: Lighthouse Cycling Tour of Puerto Rico it has and will increase the chances of a mishap.
For this reason, and as a safety precaution, we have changed the language of our policy so that it reads as follows:
“The use of the aero-handlebars in the VUELTA: Lighthouse Cycling Tour of Puerto Rico is strictly prohibited.”
These are several scenarios you may want to consider if the bike you plan to use for the VUELTA: Lighthouse Cycling Tour of Puerto Rico has aero-handlebars:
- if your road bike has been retrofitted with aero-handlebars, we encourage you to change these to the regular road bike handlebars for your own safety and those who surround you.
- if you have a “Tri Specific Bike”, then we encourage you to rent a road bike from one of our participating cycling stores most of which provide new bikes for the VUELTA.
Violation of this Policy
A rider who is observed using the aero-handlebars while participating in the VUELTA: Lighthouse Cycling Tour of Puerto Rico, in violation of this policy, will be automatically expelled from the event escorted by local law enforcement officers.