Triathlon: Supreme Court Says "Drafting is Legal"

In a landmark ruling expected to fire up the debate on drafting in the sport of triathlon, the Canadian Supreme Court today issued a ruling that says "drafting in the sport of triathlon must be permitted..." and "...it must be left up to the discretion of the individual participant as to whether or not to choose to exercise this option...".

The Court voted 4 to 3 with two abstentions leaving the door open for an appeal, which is expected to be launched immediately.

In Ottawa, a spokesperson for ADAT, the Anti-Drafting Association of Triathletes, said that the ruling could shake the very foundation of the sport and that fearing such a ruling by the right-wing of the Court, they had already prepared an appeal. They also said that the Charter of Rights was being taken too far and that perhaps a "Charter of Responsibilities" was needed to balance the Charter of Rights.

In Toronto, an anonymous source said that the PCFDA, the Pro Choice For Drafting Association, was pleased with the ruling and that they planned to advise their members to exercise their right to choose at the earliest opportunity. They also said that they planned to use the Canadian ruling as the basis for a representation to the United Nations to intervene to extend this ruling internationally.

There was no comment from the International Triathlon Union, ITU, who have always permitted drafting . Sources close to the ITU said that they expected the ruling to withstand any appeals and that the ruling was in the best interests of the sport.

Ottawa, April 1, 2004.