Time Trials

Details

Typically there are six TT events each year in the league. Four are regular individual TTs (a 5km prologue, two 10 milers and a 25 miler), one team event, and one hill climb. A time trial is pure test of power – riders set off a minute apart, and are timed to the finish. Fastest time wins - simple.

There are usually points for the 6 fastest riders in each ability group, so 24 placings to compete for altogether, but beyond that every finisher will get a time, so no matter how badly you think you might fare it's always worth practising your time trialling to see how you do, and then work on improving.

Rules

The following general rules apply:

  • There is to be no warming up on the course
  • TT bikes/wheels and aero kit are all allowed
  • Club kit (including skinsuits) should be worn, unless you are wearing a plain skinsuit.
  • No drafting (sitting behind another rider sheltering in their windstream)
  • If you catch another rider (good for you!) check that there is no traffic coming up behind you before pulling out, and give them loads of room as you pass. Remember they may have no notion that you're steaming through until you have actually passed them. On the other hand, if you are caught, keep on going at your own pace, don't be tempted to try sit on to the rider who has passed you.
  • When you cross the finish line roll on through, pull over further down the road and don't turn around before checking that it is safe to do so. Anyone doing a U-turn in the vicinity of the finish line will be disqualified.
  • Please don't hassle the timekeepers for your time- there's no problem asking, but make sure to do it at a time when there aren't any riders coming in.

Team Time Trials

For TTTs, the same principles apply, except riders are in teams of three or four. The team's time will be taken on the third rider to cross the line, so obviously if you have a fourth rider you have more leeway to lose one to puncture, inability to keep up, or whatever.

In the past, teams have been pulled from different groups, but for 2013 there were no restrictions, and were formed of riders who have similar abilities - the work is shared more evenly, everyone's able for the same fastest pace, etc.

Try and form a team beforehand with riders you know and work out a system for pacing yourselves and riding through, otherwise you may end up either hanging off the back (not so bad for the your personal payoff), or constantly pinging off the front (frustrating for everyone).

Sign-on

For the Black Bull TTs, please park by the usual sign-on area. If you're warming up on rollers, it's a lot handier to do it by the line, but the residents in the starting area have complained about their access being blocked. So just park in the usual spot.

Circuits