Review 3D.15.2
Comments about this discussion:
Started
In the WR committee, we have been discussing the measurement of road races.
This discussion did not lead to a consensus, but I'm not the only one convinced that the measurement method described in 3D.15.2 should not be used to homologate a WR.
In short, the IUF method with the bicycle counter (3D.15.2) has at least 2 weaknesses:
- the method is inherently less accurate (1 count per wheel revolution, last count of the instrument is 10m, calibration base too short...)
- there are many risks of making gross errors (undocumented errors!) especially for someone who is not used to it (partial wheel count, calibration base measured with a too short tape...)
The full discussion is available here
That seems to me to be a problem, because fixed-distance races are all about breaking records (personal or world record). As a reminder, the principle behind fixed-distance races is that each participant should be able to compare his or her performance, and that each race should be run under similar, controlled conditions (with as little change in altitude as possible, limiting the effect of the wind, etc.).
Course measurement is a science, and I think it would be a mistake to try and reinvent it. The Athletics Federation has developed a method based on the Jones counter, which was created over 50 years ago. The method is very reliable, and quite simple.
Without going into too much detail, I'd like to highlight the fact that course measurements must be taken BEFORE a race.