Challenge Family’s 20-Meter Drafting Rule Sets the Standard for Fairer Racing

January 27, 2026

Challenge Family celebrates a major step forward in promoting fair competition as leading events and organisations, including DATEV Challenge Roth and Ironman, adopt its 20-meter drafting zone.

January 27, 2026 /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – Challenge Family celebrates a major step forward in promoting fair competition as leading events and organisations, including DATEV Challenge Roth and Ironman, adopt its 20-meter drafting zone.

Since 2014, Challenge Family has been at the forefront of ensuring fair play in triathlon, introducing the 20-meter drafting zone – a measure proven to create more equitable racing conditions than the previously common 12-meter standard. Over the years, more Challenge Family races adopted this rule by working closely with the respective national federations to implement this rule exemption. The call from professional athletes to follow Challenge Family’s lead has only grown louder.

Today marks a milestone for the sport. Earlier this afternoon, DATEV Challenge Roth announced it would implement a 20-meter drafting zone following extensive consultation with professional athletes. This iconic German race has previously taken significant steps to enhance fairness, including limiting media motorbikes on the course and sharing RaceRanger data publicly to show where drafting occurred.

Shortly after, Ironman also confirmed today that it will move from a 12-meter to a 20-meter drafting zone for all its professional races over the 140.6 and 70.3 distances, effective March 1, 2026. Earlier, the PTO also began implementing the 20-meter drafting zone, following Challenge Family’s example.

“We are proud to see our 20-meter drafting rule being embraced by other leading organisations,” said Jort Vlam, Challenge Family CEO. “Our commitment is not just to maintain this standard but to continue innovating and finding new ways to make triathlon as fair as possible for every athlete.”

Challenge Family remains committed to driving fair competition across the sport and will continue to explore ways to enhance transparency, integrity, and equity in triathlon racing worldwide.