In many racing sports, an athlete will compete in a time trial against the clock to secure the fastest time. The format of a time trial can vary, but usually follow a format where each athlete or team sets off at a predetermined interval to set the fastest time on a course.
Courses are measured to a high degree of accuracy using special equipment. Marshals are appointed to help riders follow the course, but it is still your responsibility to make sure you know the route.
Courses are normally only identified by a code system – this is throwback to the days when races were conducted in secret, and some system was required that would disguise the whereabouts of a race.
The course code has an initial letter that identifies the region that the course is in. Then there is normally a distance, and a number for the exact location (though the format varies a bit from region to region). You can look up the code and find a description of where the course is either in the CTT handbook, or on this website.
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The courses we use for time trials are usually local to the clubhouse in Middleton so expect some hills and undulating terrain.
The minimum age for competitors is 12 years. It is essential that competitors under 18 know the law and the Highway Code, and are competent to ride on public roads alone. They must have the authorisation of their parents to compete.
Do not worry if you think your bike is not good enough. As long as it is mechanically sound and is the correct size, then it does not matter what bike you ride. Remember bikes can be upgraded or changed at a later date.
Lights
In all CTT timetials you MUST have a working front and rear light these two lights must be white on the front and red on the rear. The lights can be flashing or solid.
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Protective Helmets
All competitors must wear a properly affixed helmet which must be of hard/soft shell construction. Helmets should conform to a recognised Standard such as SNELL B95, ANSI Z90.4, AUS/NZS 2063:96, DIN 33-954, CPSC or EN 1078.
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Time trials can be ridden on any type of roadworthy bike. The bike must have working brakes at the front and rear. A simple road bike shown below is ideal to start enjoying time trialing. At a later date if you want to improve your performance, aero bars can be clipped onto the handlebars to give you a more aerodynamic position.
Below is a top of the range time trial bike that has all the aerodynamic aids which will make this bike very quick in the right hands. The frame is carbon fibre and wind tunnel tested the front of the bike is much lower to try and give the rider a flatter back and more aero position. There are aero-bars that help the rider tuck like a skier and bring their hands into a zero drag scenario. A deep section front wheel and disc rear will help the moving parts cut through the air to give that aero advantage.
