Time Trial racing is referred to as TT’s
An individual time trial (ITT) is a road race where as a cyclist you race alone, against the clock on flat or rolling terrain, or a hill climb or a sprint. There are also track-based time trials where riders compete in velodromes and team time trials (TTT) like the Silverstone 9up, that KCC participate in early June with groups from all ages. Unlike other road racing that are usually groups, ITTs are sometimes referred to as “the race of truth”, as winning depends only on each rider’s strength and endurance, and not on help provided by teammates and others riding ahead and creating a slipstream.
Starting times are at equal intervals, usually one, two or 30 seconds apart. Your starting number and the sequence of riders is usually based on previous bests for that distance, either in the last season, or at most three seasons. It is usual that the highest ranked (fastest) cyclist starting last.
Using this starting criteria, it allows the race to be contained into a reasonable time period for marshals as well as traffic disruptions. It also provides the later riders knowing they are on a chase, and it makes the event more interesting for spectators.
Competitors are not permitted to draft or slipstream other riders on the course, or ride behind each other. Any help between riders is forbidden. The rider with the fastest time is declared the winner.
To make it even more interesting, the age categories have “standards” and in each age category, there is a time that as a male or female there is a measure of time that is achievable, if you are quicker you are “plus standard” and when you are racing in some events, not only is there an overall quickest time, but there are winners for “plus standard” this handicap makes the racing a level playing field so whatever your age you can be competitive and still win.
Find out more:
The Veterans Time Trials Association is for anyone 40 years of age and over who has an interest in cycle racing, and specifically in time trialling. If you want to explore the world of time trailling and existing “standards” visit their website: