EP55 Ironman Extends Pro Draft Zone to 20 Meters (ft. AI Insights)

IRONMAN moves to 20m draft zone for pros from March 2026. Why not 16m? The science is surprising (ft. AI Insights).Key questions answered:• Why did IRONMAN finally change after years of resistance?• Why does 16m make no difference but 20m does?• Why did Challenge Roth announce the same change on the same day?• Why are age groupers stuck at 12m?• What happens when pro women meet fast amateur men on course?The verdict: The physics demanded 20m — anything less was security theatre. But the two-tier system creates new headaches.Chapters:00:00 Introduction: March 1st 2026 changes everything00:33 Why did IRONMAN finally blink?01:11 The science: RaceRanger testing with Lionel Sanders01:46 The surprise: 16m makes almost no difference02:21 Challenge Roth announces the same day — coincidence?03:03 T100 Tour data: proof it works03:18 Age groupers: why you're stuck at 12m04:10 The messy reality: pro women vs fast amateur men04:53 85% of pros wanted this changeSources:IRONMAN Official AnnouncementTriathleteSlowtwitchthe5krunnerthe5krunner.comthe5krunner.com/newsletterthe5krunner.com/subscribe