Time Trialing 101
The commentators on the Tour de France call the time trial the “Race of Truth”. That makes it sound a bit intimidating, but it really isn’t. This short article will outline the basics of a bike time trial and let you know all you need to get ready for this type of racing. TriRochester hosts two time trial series, one in May and another in August. These are a great way to gauge your progress on the bike and have fun with other cyclists.
First, you will need a working bike and a helmet and a signed waiver. Whatever bike you are riding will work for time trials. At our local time trials, in addition to people on triathlon/time trial bikes, there are several people with road bikes and a few turn out on mountain bikes or cyclocross bikes. It goes without saying that you need a helmet. But you do. We won’t let you participate in our time trials without a helmet.
You should plan to arrive at the race site with plenty of time to get ready. You don’t want to feel rushed, especially for your first one. Choose your clothing based on the weather and plan to have something dry to put on afterwards if it’s chilly. When you get to the site, put air in your tires, check your brakes and take the bike out for a warm-up. You should start a time trial warmed up and ready for a solid effort. The rule of thumb is a longer warm-up for a shorter race. Our spring races are 14 miles. The summer races are 18.9 miles. If this is a short distance for you, warm up a lot. If it’s a long distance for you, shorten that warm-up to a length of time that will get you to the start line feeling warm and ready to ride.
We will line up the riders according to gender, category and predicted speed: Women on Stock bikes (no aero add-ons), Women Aero, Men Stock, Men Aero. Within each division, riders will self-seed based on speed. We prefer that the faster riders start last. The starter will give you a number to remember. That is how they will know who you are as you cross the finish, so please yell out your number as you cross the finish line.
During a time trial, riders will start at 30 second intervals. You will be standing at the start line and the starter will give you a countdown. As the starter says GO, push off and start your ride. There is no drafting in the time trial. You are riding your own race against the clock. Pace yourself for your ability at that distance and ride accordingly. As you near the finish, remember your number and yell it as you finish.
After your ride, warm down a bit and you’re done. We will have preliminary results at the event and then final results will be posted on the website.
Time trialing can be a great part of cycling training for triathletes. It gives you a chance to try out a race pace without having to run afterwards. It will also be a chance for you to try out your nutrition or new gear before triathlon season. If you have any questions about the TriRochester time trials, please use the Contact button on the website. Look forward to seeing you at the event!