Olympics 2012 track cycling

You're saying the first rider has 'drawn away' at that point? But the second rider is still close enough to be influenced by the wake of the first, and the first is still riding in the correct position on the track. (It's the second who is out of position - coming up the inside - but the rules refer to the actions of the first rider.)

You could argue that, in the "spirit of the rules", as the second rider has started the passing manoeuvre already that the lead rider is drawing away despite not actually moved completely up the track at that point. At least that's how the commisaire has interpreted the rules and I make him right in this instance.

The rules are worded pretty badly and desperately need proper clarification but the interpretation has been correct in this instance imo. They started the change too early and were punished for it.

This isn't some new rule either - all the riders at this level should be aware of what the interpretation of those rules is going to be. It's not like they haven't competed in enough events at this level, with the same officials, already.