Those who follow cycling, specifically the Tour de France, probably know what "The Look" is.  It was imortalized by Lance Armstrong during the 2001 Tour while climbing up L'Alpe d'Huez.  When it occurred, most people were envisioning it as him looking at Jan Ullrich and saying with his face, "Well, are you coming or not?", and then leaving him behind.  This year however, I heard an interview with Lance where he denied this.  He said that he understands people thinking this because of the camera angle, but in reality he was simply looking back to see where his team mates were in case he needed support during the climb.

During a triathlon, there is another look, which I've been known to give from time to time.  I was reminded of it while reading this column on drafting.  According to USAT rules, drafting during a triathlon is illegal, and if caught, there is a time penalty that is given.  However, because I compete in more local, smaller races, drafting rules are rarely enforced.  That means that you have to enforce the rules yourself.  I do it with "The Look".

When I see someone on my back wheel, I look back at the person behind me, and there is no misinterpreting my face.  Believe me when I say that being drafted during a race is one of the things that pisses me off the most, and if you're ever on my wheel, you'll know it.  During Lake Mills in May there was one guy who stuck on my wheel, even after I shot him "The Look".  I think I yelled back something like, "Having fun back there?" and then finally "Either pass or back off!"

I don't do pack rides with triathlon clubs for a very good reason... I never want to get used to drafting, or feel like I need to do it.  I want my training to be as close to race conditions as possible.  And nothing ruins that hard work of training more than some idiot sitting on your wheel and cheating, sucking your air.