Information for Beginners to Time Trialling
If you are new to cycle racing then the club time trials are a great way to try competitive cycling in a relaxed and friendly environment.
Firstly you need a bike. A normal road bike will do although the more serious riders have specialist time trial bikes with tri-bars and aero dynamic wheels (to make them go faster). You will also see the occasional Mountain bike or tandem taking part.
To enter the event, you must register at the race HQ at least 30 minutes before the start. You will be given a number which is pinned to your back so it is visible to the timekeeper. The number indicates your starting position in the race.
After getting your number, you should make your way to the start area which is on the lane leading to the village of Driffield. Allow at least 10 minutes to get from the HQ to the start.
Riders are set off at one minute intervals. You are given a push-off at the start and then you are on your own.... The objective is to ride the course as quickly as possible without assistance from any other cyclists so drafting behind other riders is not allowed.
10 miles is a long way to cycle at a hard effort so you should judge your pace. Avoid starting too quickly as this may leave you very tired over the last couple of miles. Start steady and then increase your effort once you have settled into a rhythm.
Most cyclists are able to ride 10 miles in under 30 minutes and this is the first goal for beginners. Once you have ridden a couple of events, the aim is to try and improve your best time during the season. The super-fit cyclists will be able to ride the course in under 24 minutes.
When you cross the finish line, the time keeper will record your time. Later at the HQ, the results sheet for that evening’s race will be displayed and you can see how you performed.
Most events attract between 40 and 50 riders, mainly from Corinium CC and Swindon RC. Many cyclists ride several events during the season and use the time trial to improve and measure their fitness. It can be quite demanding to cycle flat out for 10 miles and that last 2 miles along the Latton Road can feel a very long way when the legs are aching....at least there is a cup to tea to look forward to after it is all over.......
