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Time trialling is known as the 'race of truth'. Time trialling is the simplest of competitive formats: a race against the clock, with riders starting a minute apart.
Most events are fixed distance, being 10, 25, 50 or 100 miles. There are also fixed time events -12 and 24 hours -with the objective being to ride the furthest you can. Courses are on public roads and are either 'out and back', using a roundabout to turn halfway, or circuits with consecutive left turns. There are a number of local races organised by DTCC and other local clubs. Members can see local events listed in Cranks under Aberdeen District Cycle Association (ADCA) events. These and all Scottish TT races are listed on the Scottish Cycling website.
Most time trials involve individual riders riding 'against the clock' and ignoring any other rider who they catch (or particularly who catches them). 'Drafting' (following closely behind) is not allowed. In addition there are some events which are for teams of 2, 3 or 4 riders who ride together (but ignoring everybody else as above). These are known as Team Time Trials - shortened to 2up/3up/4up TTTs.
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Details of the key championships in Scotland in 2012 plus lots of other useful information can be found [HERE]
Most riders do their first few time trials on a standard road bike but often quickly adapt their bike with 'aero bars' or tri-bars - with forearm supports - to give themselves a more aerodynamic position. Many riders use specialist TT bikes which have other aero features such as deep section wheels.
Time triallists usually wear a sleeved racing jersey and cycling shorts, or a one equivalent one-piece suit. Riders not in a club or not wearing club colours must wear a plain top - trade tops are not allowed. The wearing of a hard-shell helmet (conforming to recognised safety standards) is compulsory for all competitive events in Scotland. After a couple of racing seasons you may succumb to the style ignominy of wearing a tear drop aero helmet! Don't fight this urge it will make you faster.
Cyclists compete for many reasons. Some to win, some for the 'buzz' of competing, some to see themselves getting better and faster and some for the post-race tea and cakes. Or a combination. What are the challenges for the time triallist beyond the individual race?
The PB. Every time we race a TT, we do so against ourselves and others. Given the standard distances usually used in TT events the 'PB' or personal best can quickly become an obsession. Be warned!
The Age Standard. Riders over 40yrs also aim to beat their Age Standard Times set for all the competition distances (see below) by the VTTA (Veterans Time Trial Association). The Standard 'allowance' increases every year from 40 to 109(!) so that 'vets' can compete meaningfully against younger riders. Standard competitions are decided by the margin by which the Age Standard Time (or distance) is beaten.
The BAR. This stands for Best All Rounder. There are a number of competitions to enter. The club BAR, the District BAR, Scottish and British championships. For instance, the men's Scottish middle distance BAR requires a rider to complete a 25, 50 and 100 mile TT. An average speed is calculated using his fastest times at each distance. The rider with the fastest average is the champion. For women riders the distances to be eligible for the Scottish BAR are 10, 25 and 50 miles. Follow the link to see the events required for the DTCC, ADCA and Scottish BAR championships for men, women and juniors. For new riders completing the BAR distances is a feasible yet challenging objective for the season. VTTA BAR competitions based on Age Standards are held at British and Scottish levels.
The Scottish Championships. These are held for 10, 25, 50, 100 miles, Olympic (which seems to mean hilly and non-standard distance) and hill climb (short and sharp) events. Anyone can enter these and there tends to be a range of abilities competing. Scottish VTTA holds Standard based competitions.
The Scottish Championship Series. The Time Trial Points League is a season long competition based on all the Scottish individual time trial championship events, i.e. championships at 10, 25, 50 and 100 miles as well as the Olympic Time Trial and Hill Climb.
The Evening League. Most clubs organise a confined series of time trails only open to its own members. DTCC has its evening league. Held most Tuesdays throughout the summer this is a great way for members to try out time trialling and test themselves at a number of fixed distances and hilly courses and (for veterans) against Age Standards. It's also great training for open events. Click here for more details.
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