They are unique and original figures: the Alpe d’Huez Triathlon Watchers, responsible for refereeing all the week’s events, are the custodians of the fairness and values of the event. This year, for the first time, a team of Watchers will be involved in the race, riding with the participants, taking part directly in the cycling event. Let’s take a closer look at a team of referees like no other!
Every competitor has already felt it, that little stress vibe that runs across the skin and tightens the stomach when the referee’s silhouette looms… Not because you don’t respect the rules, but just because you’re afraid you’ve unintentionally done something wrong. To lighten the mood and instil a profound sense of goodwill into the refereeing process, the Alpe d’Huez Triathlon decided five years ago to create an unusual and unique team in the discipline: the Watchers, in other words volunteer referees, themselves triathletes, with clearly defined missions.
kindness first and foremost
“The Watchers’ absolute priority is to ensure that the safety rules are respected, as the Alpe d’Huez Triathlon courses are mountainous and therefore dangerous”, explains Marc Rullière, head of the Watchers. “The other priority is to ensure that the basic rules of triathlon are respected, particularly as regards drafting, not assisting and respecting the environment. In order to keep as close as possible to the specifics of the race, the rules have been adapted in terms of drafting distances, but the rest of the rules remain identical to those of other FFTRI events. “Goodwill, advice and support are at the heart of the Watchers approach,” explains Marc Rullière. For example, when the equipment is being set up in the transition areas, they not only check that the instructions are being followed, but they are also a source of advice and information for the athletes. As athletes themselves, they are all the more relevant in their relationship with the competitors.
One priority: respect for fairness
Around thirty Watchers will make up the “fairness brigade” this year, with no fewer than 22 referees in the long-distance triathlon. “They’re all volunteers, but we’re offering them a deal: in exchange for their investment as Watchers, we’re giving them a bib number for the event of their choice during the week. So most of them take part in one of the formats,” explains Marc Rullière. “As a triathlete myself and co-president of the Lugdunum Triathlon, I recruit a lot of Watchers from my network and I try to build up their loyalty so that, year after year, they acquire a thorough knowledge of the environment, the events and the special features of the event. In addition to the routes through the heart of the Oisans region, the Alpe d’Huez Triathlon is distinguished by its two transition areas (one at the exit of Lac du Verney, the other at Alpe d’Huez) and its fairly complex cycling routes. Marc Rullière himself maps out the route before the event to identify the key points in terms of safety, assistance and possible drafting.
New for 2023: Watchers on the bike!
“Marc Rullière adds: “We came up with something new for this year, based on feedback from competitors about drafting. To ensure greater fairness, the usual 10 Watchers on motorbikes will be backed up by 5 more discreet Watchers on bicycles. In addition to their traditional tasks, these Watchers will be focusing on education and prevention. This initiative is part of the natural evolution of the team, which is seeking to establish a relationship of exchange and proximity with the participants. The experience of these men and women who are passionate about triathlon is consolidated over the years, around a state of mind and a unique way of looking at refereeing, well beyond repression!