A young cycle racer who slipstreamed behind a truck at the weekend was disqualified and given a firm lecture on the rules of racing.
The cyclist reached an estimated 80kmh for about 200m.
The 16-year-old Christchurch schoolboy was competing in the Kelvin Hastie Memorial handicap race, from Millers Flat to Mosgiel, on Saturday.
He had been in the lead group, competing in wet and gusty conditions, before being passed by the scratch bunch on the flood-free section of State Highway 1, on the Taieri Plain.
Race manager Steve Hurring said a large truck then went past before slowing for the leading pack, enabling the youngster to close up behind the truck. Air displaced by the moving truck created a low-pressure area at its rear that was used by the rider to get a tow, he said.
However, nearby race officials saw the incident and yelled at the cyclist to drop back from the truck. It was estimated he was behind the truck for about 200m.
Mr Hurring said the rider apologised after the race, and was extremely sorry for his actions.
He was made fully aware his actions breached the rules and disqualified from the event.
Cycling Otago was to write to his club to inform it of the incident, after which his club would decide on any punishment.
Mr Hurring said the rules were straight forward - no rider could draft behind any vehicle.
Police declined to comment, and were unable to say whether drafting was illegal or if there was a public road speed limit for cyclists.
