National Association for the over 40 year old racing cyclist
If you are new to time-trialling you may find the following answers to frequently asked questions helpful.
What kind of bike do I need?
You can do a time-trial on any type of bike as long as it is in good working order and it is road-worthy. Road bikes and TT-specific bikes are designed to go faster than hybrids and MTBs but it is perfectly acceptable to take part on any bike. Don't be put off because you think your bike might not be fast enough as it does not make any difference to anyone else what type of bike you ride.
Do I need any other special equipment?
No, a straightforward bike is all that is needed to join in and take part. People who regularly do time-trials often buy tri-bars to bolt on to their handlebars to get an ‘aero’ position, but these are not by any means a requirement.
How fit do I need to be?
You need to be sure you can comfortably complete the distance, but other than that your fitness level is not a hindrance to taking part. The whole point of a time-trial is that everyone is individually timed against the clock. If you are slower than other riders it makes no difference to their race and you will still record a time and you can make it your personal challenge to improve upon this. Everyone has to start somewhere and the vast majority of experienced time-triallists will understand the position of a novice and will give nothing but encouragement, advice and support.
Do I need to be a member of a cycling club?
What is the entry fee?
Club Events: The entry fee is usually a small charge of approximately £3-£5, paid on the day to the club officials when you sign-on and collect your race number.
Open Events: The entry fee for open events is usually around £8-£10. You will find this shown for the event on the CTT website or in the handbook.
When should I arrive at the event?
Will there be any changing facilities?
What do I need to bring with me?
Club Events:
Open Events: As for club events except that refreshments are always provided after the event. You usually get a free cup of tea in exchange for returning your race number.
What happens at the start?
If I ride out to the event will I be able to leave my kit somewhere safe while I race?
Yes, it is quite common for cyclists to ride out to events. At club events one of the officials will usually be willing to let competitors leave a few valuables or clothes in their car during the race. At open events you can leave kit or clothing (but probably not valuables) at the HQ.
Is the traffic on the roads likely to be heavy?
The safety of riders is carefully considered when deciding whether a course is used for a time trial. Some events do involve riding on dual-carriageways but the traffic is expected to be relatively light. Some of the events are entirely on single-carriageway roads. If you are particularly concerned about this, please look at the course descriptions carefully before selecting an event.
What should I wear?
The CTT does have some rules about what can be worn in open time-trials – probably rather out of date but you should be aware that you could be prevented from starting unless your clothing complies. Basically, ordinary cycling shorts to mid-thigh, and an ordinary cycling jersey with sleeves (or any other clothing which covers the body in the same way) are acceptable. Bare-shouldered cycling attire which is the current fashion for triathletes is not, unfortunately, allowed. Also, you should not wear clothing showing commercial sponsorship unless your club is a sponsored club. Clothing rules are more relaxed for club events.
Where can I get details of the exact route?
Course descriptions can be found on the CTT website - see under Discover
Do I have to wear a helmet?
There is no obligation for adults taking part in time-trials to wear a helmet although you are strongly advised to do so.
Will there be marshalls to direct me?
The onus is on the rider to know the course, so you should make sure that you know where the course goes before starting the race! But there will normally be marshalls on the course to indicate the correct route. NOTE: marshalls are not there to direct or stop traffic (that's illegal) or to tell you whether it's safe to proceed (that's for you to decide).
What happens if I get a puncture during the race?
Of course anyone can have a puncture anywhere and it may happen to you during a race. If so, it is incumbent on you to arrange a rescue or to replace the inner tube or mend the puncture yourself. Whereas most organisers will not leave you stranded on a remote road, you should not assume someone will rescue you. Time-triallists therefore often carry a pump, inner tube and tyre levers when they race. An alternative solution is to agree with a friend to mutually come to each other’s rescue should the need arise.
What happens if someone overtakes me?
Don’t worry if you are overtaken – this happens to everyone at some point or other and there are always going to be stronger riders taking part. Just let the overtaking rider get well ahead of you so that you get no ‘drafting’ advantage and don’t be put off. Concentrate on riding your own race at your own pace. This, after all, is what time-trialling is all about!
What do I do at the finish line?
When you pass the timekeeper at the finish line it is traditional to shout out your number in case your number is not easily visible to the timekeeper. Continue down the road, riding gently to warm down. Don’t distract the timekeeper as they have an important job to do.
How will I find out my result for the race?