http://www.slowtwitch.com/News/Compr...rsed_1009.html
"In response to athlete feedback, World Triathlon Corporation
(WTC) has retracted its ban on garments that cover the calves at this year's Ford Ironman World Championship, taking place on October 10, in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. Because the age of athletes wearing these garments is not visible, Ironman will eliminate marking athletes' ages on calves in Kona to ensure fairness among the field. The tradition of body marking of bib numbers on athletes' arms will remain in place. WTC will continue reviewing this issue and evaluating ways to display ages of participating athletes."
[...]
2004 and 2006 Ironman World Champion Normann Stadler has raced with them often but has other plans for this year’s Kona race. "I raced in those socks last year but I will not compete in those socks this year," said Stadler. But he added: “I think the rule is not ok. What if I like to race in those old fashioned basketball socks from Nike? Every year - different rules. Next year we ride road bars and only one gear...”