Thinking of doing a Time Trial - Anthony Green gives you an insight!

Thinking of doing a Time Trial?

Our resident tester Anthony Green gives an insight into the discipline

Here's what you need to know.

Time Trialling also known as ‘testing’ is a race against the clock. What you get out of it is down to the individual – competing to get the fastest time amongst your peers or just to better your own time or to set a benchmark to see how your cycling is improving.

The first step is to pick an event.

There are two types of events, "Open" events are pre entry only and are available to view and enter via www.cyclingtimetrials.org.uk - you will need to set up a rider account which all your results will be saved to.

"Club" events are less formal, some club events you can just turn up and pay on arrival, others like some of our own Penzance Wheelers ones are pre entry only via Eventbrite. The "club" events are normally cheaper (£5-£10) than the "open" events (£12-£15).

Selecting a distance

A good starting distance is the traditional 10mile distance, for this distance the average time depends on the course but for somewhere like Ladock (also know as the S6) anywhere between 20-23min could be a winning time with anything 25min-30min being the time of the majority of the field.

If you enjoy a 10 mile don't be afraid to try a 25 or even 50 mile time trial. I've always enjoyed the longer distances, they are easier to pace and riders can get into a good rhythm, just remember to carb load prior and take a bottle possibly some gels for a bigger distance and definitely some chamois cream.

What to expect

Time Trial racers are some of the friendliest group of people on 2 wheels you'll ever meet. With riders aged from 12-80+ and mixed abilities whatever your standard you'll be sure to fit in. If you’re unsure of anything don't hesitate to ask any rider. They are always happy to help you out as, of course, are the organisers.

Kit needed

You need a roadworthy bike, sadly Ebikes are not permitted under Cycling Time Trials (CTT) regulations. Don't worry about spending a fortune on bikes, I've never owned a brand new TT bike, all of my bikes have been 2nd hand and under £500. Some of the best times I've ever set have been on cheap set ups and I even managed to win a 22 mile open race on a £300 old alloy Trek back in 2016!

The most important thing is your bike is safe for road use and under CTT rules all riders must now have front & rear lights and a helmet.

You can purchase a skinsuit and a TT helmet, these combined can save upto a minute if not more on a 10mile time trial. A lot of kit can be purchased on sites like marketplace or Ebay for cheaper costs.

 On the day

The first thing to do is sign on at the HQ, you will then be handed your race number. Numbers can be pinned onto clothes although most modern Skinsuits have number pockets the number slides into.

Find somewhere quiet to warm up, some take turbo trainers to warm up on others warm up on the road, but be aware once the race has started you should not be warming up on the course.

Arrive at the start line a few minutes before your start time. You will be called up by the time keeper or there assistant, then you will be counted down to you start, usually from 1 minute, 30 seconds and the final 5 seconds.

Then you’re off!

To keep yourself safe keep your head up and looking ahead at all times, obey the highway code and be prepared to stop for marshalls if told to. It is rider responsibility to know the route. When passing the finish shout your number for the time keepers to hear and make your way off the course and back to the HQ.

Rider etiquette

Do not warm up or ride on the course once the race has started, this is a big no no as it can cause a build up of traffic possibly hampering those racing.

Do not draft, if you manage to catch riders in front give them plenty of room when overtaking and if possible shout "coming through on your right" so they are aware you are coming through. Don’t undertake slower riders.

Avoid the finish time keepers area at the end, as much as they love a chat the concentration needed when timing is key so please don't be offended if you are told to move on.

After the race

Hand your number back to the organiser and sign out if it's an open event. Open events tend to have refreshments for riders to enjoy and socialise. Results at opens are normally quick, club event results can sometimes be published in the following days depending on the amount of entrants.

Share your story's and enjoy tips and encouragement with other riders.

And thanks for reading this!

Anthony

Why not take a look at our other resources Penzance Wheelers Race Info page