TT racing. What do you need?

free

I did my first TT at Blenheim this year. I entered because it was very straight forward, Book online, turn up and race.

I just used my Road bike and regular cycling gear and had an enjoyable day. It's fair to say as a result I now have the bug.

I intend to get myself a TT bike, Skin suit and aero helmet ready for next year and I want to start the season just doing a few local club events (Northants area)

I've been told I can join the club and then simply enter as many or as few TT club races as I want which is great.

However, As I am investing what will probably be a sizeable amount of money I want more than just local club night races.

I am struggling to find out what I need to do in order to race 'bigger' events.

Do I need a race license? Where do I get it?, How much does it cost and then how do I enter 'bigger' race events? where do I find these events and book in too them? where do I find out the rules regarding race wear etc?

How tough are the rules on entering more serious events in terms of ability and gear?

Any advice/links etc greatly appreciated.

redddraggon

To race "bigger" events, AFAIK all you need is:

1. A bike (any old bike will do)
2. A decent time to put down on your entry form

clothing wise, the CTT don't like sleeveless jerseys (quite rightly )

Wooliferkins

Part of joining your club may well be membership of theRTTC which will cover most things.[/url]

Pokerface

redddraggon wrote:

To race "bigger" events, AFAIK all you need is:

1. A bike (any old bike will do)
2. A decent time to put down on your entry form

clothing wise, the CTT don't like sleeveless jerseys (quite rightly )

And whatever you do - don't show up for a CTT event wearing replica pro clothing! I did, and got a letter from the president telling me it was against the rules.


(I was waiting for my club kit to be delivered so was riding in a replica pro skinsuit I had).

free

Cheers for the info guys.


And I'll remember the note about replica team kit!

GiantMike

Yeah, heaven forbid people are allowed to dress as they choose! And make sure your bike doesn't look 'pro' either, just in case.

hammerite

redddraggon wrote:

To race "bigger" events, AFAIK all you need is:

1. A bike (any old bike will do)
2. A decent time to put down on your entry form

clothing wise, the CTT don't like sleeveless jerseys (quite rightly )

I think I had to turn about 5 people away on the line at one of our evening league TTs this year because of sleeveless tops. It was probably the only hot night this summer, we had a few sample spares in the club house that we let people wear, although I feel sorry for the guy who rode with the sample windproof jacket that was too tight! I reckon he lost some weight that night.

Usually open TTs will take entries for the fastest 120 riders. As you haven't set any times yet, it's worth setting some on club/evening league courses first. If you are worried that they still might not be up there look at open TTs that are "slowest 120" or something similar.

If you are in Northants, our club takes part in the Northampton and District Cycling Association TTs. They're on Saturdays usually, not ridden one of those yet though.

Simon Notley

You need to enter in advance for "open" (i.e. non-club) events and you need to be affiliated to the CTT either as an indvidual or by being a member of an affiliated club, which is essentially all traditional cycling clubs. Check out the CTT website.

The only oddity is that although CTT list their events online, they don't tell you the organisers address (which you need to send the entry form). This is a bizarre attempt to make you buy their handbook, which contains this information. Some organisers wil be happy just to tell you their address, or will list it on a club website, but it's probably less hassle just to buy the handbook (possibly at the same time as writing to CTT and pointing out how daft this policy is).


Simon

SBezza

No license required for TT's.

You have open events, which are normally at weekends, and club events which are normally during the week in the evenings.

To enter an Open event, you need to pre-enter, closing date is normally 10 days prior to the event. You can see all open events on the CTT website, (not sure if 2010 events are online yet) or alternatively get the handbook, as this will list all open events, and who the organiser is. Entery costs for an Open TT are normally around the £7 mark.

Club events you can generally just turn up on the night, pay a few quid, and then you are off. You can wear replica kit in club events normally.

www.cyclingtimetrials.org.uk

hammerite

oh and if you are buying a load of new kit, be careful what wheels you end up with
http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news/latest/369531/wiggins-faces-disqualification-after-winning-kent-valley-rt-10.html

John.T

I would not get a proper TT bike just yet. Just fit some decent clip-on aero bars to your road bike and get some events under your belt. All the fancy kit can come later. When you get into it more you may well find a good 2nd hand bike at an event or from a clubmate.

blackhands

Some info here:

http://www.timetriallingforum.co.uk/ind ... opic=22761

Dunedin397

hammerite wrote:

redddraggon wrote:

To race "bigger" events, AFAIK all you need is:

1. A bike (any old bike will do)
2. A decent time to put down on your entry form

clothing wise, the CTT don't like sleeveless jerseys (quite rightly )

I think I had to turn about 5 people away on the line at one of our evening league TTs this year because of sleeveless tops. It was probably the only hot night this summer, we had a few sample spares in the club house that we let people wear, although I feel sorry for the guy who rode with the sample windproof jacket that was too tight! I reckon he lost some weight that night.

Usually open TTs will take entries for the fastest 120 riders. As you haven't set any ...

I'm sure there are historical reasons for this, but what's the problem with sleeveless tops? Although the popularity of cycling is on the up, many clubs are struggling to get members or have folded. Does it make any sense to turn people away? If that's the 1st impression they get the probably won't be back and will go elsewhere,

I can see why many people see time trialling as old fashioned when other sports, such as triathlon (triathlon, duathlon and the off-road variety).

I really enjoyed Blenheim Palace but it felt more like a triathlon event as opposed to a couple of open time trials I entered. I'm hoping to do more time trials next year but I really believe the sport needs to change.

Turning people away because of sleeveless tops and pro kit is just crazy.

I know this is hijacking the thread slightly, sorry.

Dunedin

Sheptastic

Dunedin397 wrote:

hammerite wrote:

redddraggon wrote:

To race "bigger" events, AFAIK all you need is:

1. A bike (any old bike will do)
2. A decent time to put down on your entry form

clothing wise, the CTT don't like sleeveless jerseys (quite rightly )

I think I had to turn about 5 people away on the line at one of our evening league TTs this year because of sleeveless tops. It was probably the only hot night this summer, we had a few sample spares in the club house that we let people wear, although I feel sorry for the guy who rode with the sample windproof jacket that was too tight! I reckon he lost some weight that night.

Usually open TTs will take entries for the fastest 120 riders. As you haven't set any ...

I'm sure there are historical reasons for this, but what's the problem with sleeveless tops? Although the popularity of cycling is on the up, many clubs are struggling to get members or have folded. Does it make any sense to turn people away? If that's the 1st impression they get the probably won't be back and will go elsewhere,

I can see why many people see time trialling as old fashioned when other sports, such as triathlon (triathlon, duathlon and the off-road variety).

I really enjoyed Blenheim Palace but it felt more like a triathlon event as opposed to a couple of open time trials I entered. I'm hoping to do more time trials next year but I really believe the sport needs to change.

Turning people away because of sleeveless tops and pro kit is just crazy.

I know this is hijacking the thread slightly, sorry.

Dunedin

lol ask that question on a TT forum..

something to do with testers being mostly old farts

its also difficult to pin and number into your deltoid...

celbianchi

Dunedin397 wrote:

hammerite wrote:

redddraggon wrote:

To race "bigger" events, AFAIK all you need is:

1. A bike (any old bike will do)
2. A decent time to put down on your entry form

clothing wise, the CTT don't like sleeveless jerseys (quite rightly )

I think I had to turn about 5 people away on the line at one of our evening league TTs this year because of sleeveless tops. It was probably the only hot night this summer, we had a few sample spares in the club house that we let people wear, although I feel sorry for the guy who rode with the sample windproof jacket that was too tight! I reckon he lost some weight that night.

Usually open TTs will take entries for the fastest 120 riders. As you haven't set any ...

I'm sure there are historical reasons for this, but what's the problem with sleeveless tops? Although the popularity of cycling is on the up, many clubs are struggling to get members or have folded. Does it make any sense to turn people away? If that's the 1st impression they get the probably won't be back and will go elsewhere,

I can see why many people see time trialling as old fashioned when other sports, such as triathlon (triathlon, duathlon and the off-road variety).

I really enjoyed Blenheim Palace but it felt more like a triathlon event as opposed to a couple of open time trials I entered. I'm hoping to do more time trials next year but I really believe the sport needs to change.

Turning people away because of sleeveless tops and pro kit is just crazy.

I know this is hijacking the thread slightly, sorry.

Dunedin

Where do you pin an arm number?

free

John.T wrote:

I would not get a proper TT bike just yet. Just fit some decent clip-on aero bars to your road bike and get some events under your belt. All the fancy kit can come later. When you get into it more you may well find a good 2nd hand bike at an event or from a clubmate.

I actually put some clip-ons on my road bike. I didn't get on with them though and took them back.

The ergonomics felt all wrong. I was so uncomfortable and felt very vulnerable on the bike. No matter what adjustments I made I just couldn't get it to feel right.

When I sat on a proper TT bike In Evans I expected it to feel the same. Immediately it felt comfortable.

But, regardless, I'm a firm believer that if you intend to do something like this then having the right machine makes the whole experience more enjoyable. I'm not an 'all the gear-no idea' sort but if I decide to take up something, I'd prefer to get the right machine for the job.
It's like when I first took up Road cycling. I believed I would be ok riding with a pair of regular shorts and a t-shirt. After some time I invested in some proper cycling kit. The whole experience of cycling became so much enjoyable because I invested in some proper kit.

seward4or5

hammerite wrote:

oh and if you are buying a load of new kit, be careful what wheels you end up with
http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news/latest/369531/wiggins-faces-disqualification-after-winning-kent-valley-rt-10.html

Is that an oval chainring on Wiggins' bike (picture at the bottom of the article)?

redddraggon

seward4or5 wrote:

Is that an oval chainring on Wiggins' bike (picture at the bottom of the article)?

Yes

John.T

free wrote:

John.T wrote:

I would not get a proper TT bike just yet. Just fit some decent clip-on aero bars to your road bike and get some events under your belt. All the fancy kit can come later. When you get into it more you may well find a good 2nd hand bike at an event or from a clubmate.

I actually put some clip-ons on my road bike. I didn't get on with them though and took them back.
The ergonomics felt all wrong. I was so uncomfortable and felt very vulnerable on the bike. No matter what adjustments I made I just couldn't get it to feel right.
When I sat on a proper TT bike In Evans I expected it to feel the same. Immediately it felt comfortable.
But, regardless, I'm a firm believer that if you intend to do something like this then having the right machine makes the whole experience more enjoyable. I'm not an 'all the gear-no idea' sort but if I decide to take up something, I'd prefer to get the right machine for the job.
It's like when I first took up Road cycling. I believed I would be ok riding with a pair of regular shorts and a t-shirt. After some time I invested in some proper cycling kit. The whole experience of cycling became so much enjoyable because I invested in some proper kit.

From your first post you came across as a novice rider so I assumed you had no knowledge of the race scene. If you are riding RRs then surely you are a member of a club. If so they should be able to answer any questions you have re racing based on knowing you and your riding standard. This as well as the affiliation to CTT is a good reason to be in one.
I suggested tri-bars because they are a far cheaper way in to TT than getting a bike and I am quite happy with mine. I have descended at over 40mph on them with complete confidence so they can be set up to give a good comfortable position. This pic is early season and I am over dressed. The bars go down a bit more later.
http://martin.photium.com/photo2317621.html

seward4or5

Thanks, a little off topic but caught my attention - read something about these recently - probably on here.

free

John.T wrote:

free wrote:

John.T wrote:

I would not get a proper TT bike just yet. Just fit some decent clip-on aero bars to your road bike and get some events under your belt. All the fancy kit can come later. When you get into it more you may well find a good 2nd hand bike at an event or from a clubmate.

I actually put some clip-ons on my road bike. I didn't get on with them though and took them back.
The ergonomics felt all wrong. I was so uncomfortable and felt very vulnerable on the bike. No matter what adjustments I made I just couldn't get it to feel right.
When I sat on a proper TT bike In Evans I expected it to feel the same. Immediately it felt comfortable.
But, regardless, I'm a firm believer that if you intend to do something like this then having the right machine makes the whole experience more enjoyable. I'm not an 'all the gear-no idea' sort but if I decide to take up something, I'd prefer to get the right machine for the job.
It's like when I first took up Road cycling. I believed I would be ok riding with a pair of regular shorts and a t-shirt. After some time I invested in some proper cycling kit. The whole experience of cycling became so much enjoyable because I invested in some proper kit.

From your first post you came across as a novice rider so I assumed you had no knowledge of the race scene. If you are riding RRs then surely you are a member of a club. If so they should be able to answer any questions you have re racing based on knowing you and your riding standard. This as well as the affiliation to CTT is a good reason to be in one.
I suggested tri-bars because they are a far cheaper way in to TT than getting a bike and I am quite happy with mine. I have descended at over 40mph on them with complete confidence so they can be set up to give a good comfortable position. This pic is early season and I am over dressed. The bars go down a bit more later.
http://martin.photium.com/photo2317621.html

No, I'm not a club member. So far, I have only ridden for training for motocross. I have never competed in any form of cycling, hence the reason for my original question.

I just didn't feel stable when I used the clip-ons. I intend to go and try a few TT bikes out of course to see how I feel on one. But my initial feeling is that a bike designed for TT as apposed to a road bike with clip-ons immediately feels more comfortable...for me anyway.

Dunedin397

celbianchi wrote:

Dunedin397 wrote:

hammerite wrote:

redddraggon wrote:

To race "bigger" events, AFAIK all you need is:

1. A bike (any old bike will do)
2. A decent time to put down on your entry form

clothing wise, the CTT don't like sleeveless jerseys (quite rightly )

I think I had to turn about 5 people away on the line at one of our evening league TTs this year because of sleeveless tops. It was probably the only hot night this summer, we had a few sample spares in the club house that we let people wear, although I feel sorry for the guy who rode with the sample windproof jacket that was too tight! I reckon he lost some weight that night.

Usually open TTs will take entries for the fastest 120 riders. As you haven't set any ...

I'm sure there are historical reasons for this, but what's the problem with sleeveless tops? Although the popularity of cycling is on the up, many clubs are struggling to get members or have folded. Does it make any sense to turn people away? If that's the 1st impression they get the probably won't be back and will go elsewhere,

I can see why many people see time trialling as old fashioned when other sports, such as triathlon (triathlon, duathlon and the off-road variety).

I really enjoyed Blenheim Palace but it felt more like a triathlon event as opposed to a couple of open time trials I entered. I'm hoping to do more time trials next year but I really believe the sport needs to change.

Turning people away because of sleeveless tops and pro kit is just crazy.

I know this is hijacking the thread slightly, sorry.

Dunedin

Where do you pin an arm number?

A great example of what I'm talking about.

Dunedin

Slow1972

free wrote:

No, I'm not a club member. So far, I have only ridden for training for motocross. I have never competed in any form of cycling, hence the reason for my original question.

I just didn't feel stable when I used the clip-ons. I intend to go and try a few TT bikes out of course to see how I feel on one. But my initial feeling is that a bike designed for TT as apposed to a road bike with clip-ons immediately feels more comfortable...for me anyway.

I think the point people are trying to make is that a decent TT bike is a big investment if you find once you've done some TTs its not for you. Clip ons allow you to get a few TTs under your belt and help you decide whether or not you like it before you spend a big chunk of money. The road bike /clip ons shouldnt make your riding any less enjoyable, it'll just be that you're not quite as fast as if you were properly set up on a TT rig with skinsuit/helmet etc

You've ridden a bike with clip ons and sat on a TT bike in a shop. I suggest you ride the TT bike on the road too before you decide they are noticeably better.

If you want to replicate a TT position a bit more on a road bike, simply get an adjustable stem so you drop the height of the bars a bit more so when the clip ons are on the bars they are a similar height to what they would be on a TT bike.

Then again, there's always barely used TT bikes in classifieds where you can pick up a bargain... I wonder why that is.....?

Its all very well having the right equipment for the job, but if you're just starting TTing I would imagine (no disrepect intended) that physical improvements will have a much more significant impact on your improvement and enjoyment to start with than buying a TT bike will.

And imho, unless you can ride a 10 course in a half decent time, you will look like a "fur coat, no knickers" kind of guy when your minute man passes you riding a road bike on the drops...

richk

redddraggon wrote:

...clothing wise, the CTT don't like sleeveless jerseys ...

Sleeveless is now OK for club events...

sub55

RichK wrote:

redddraggon wrote:

...clothing wise, the CTT don't like sleeveless jerseys ...

Sleeveless is now OK for club events...

:evil: :evil: :evil:

Pross

Why do some people feel not allowing pro kit is old fashioned and driving people away? How many football / rugby matches are you allowed to turn up at and play in replica kits?

celbianchi

Dunedin397 wrote:

celbianchi wrote:

Dunedin397 wrote:

hammerite wrote:

redddraggon wrote:

To race "bigger" events, AFAIK all you need is:

1. A bike (any old bike will do)
2. A decent time to put down on your entry form

clothing wise, the CTT don't like sleeveless jerseys (quite rightly )

I think I had to turn about 5 people away on the line at one of our evening league TTs this year because of sleeveless tops. It was probably the only hot night this summer, we had a few sample spares in the club house that we let people wear, although I feel sorry for the guy who rode with the sample windproof jacket that was too tight! I reckon he lost some weight that night.

Usually open TTs will take entries for the fastest 120 riders. As you haven't set any ...

I'm sure there are historical reasons for this, but what's the problem with sleeveless tops? Although the popularity of cycling is on the up, many clubs are struggling to get members or have folded. Does it make any sense to turn people away? If that's the 1st impression they get the probably won't be back and will go elsewhere,

I can see why many people see time trialling as old fashioned when other sports, such as triathlon (triathlon, duathlon and the off-road variety).

I really enjoyed Blenheim Palace but it felt more like a triathlon event as opposed to a couple of open time trials I entered. I'm hoping to do more time trials next year but I really believe the sport needs to change.

Turning people away because of sleeveless tops and pro kit is just crazy.

I know this is hijacking the thread slightly, sorry.

Dunedin

Where do you pin an arm number?

A great example of what I'm talking about.

Dunedin

It was a serious comment. Plenty of events I ride (road and TT) require a number on the back and on either or sometimes both arms.
To be honest I don't care what people where, I do think people should respect the traditions and regulations of a sport though.

Slow1972

celbianchi wrote:

It was a serious comment. Plenty of events I ride (road and TT) require a number on the back and on either or sometimes both arms.
To be honest I don't care what people where, I do think people should respect the traditions and regulations of a sport though.

+1, you're a bit of a saddo if you decide not to race TTs or RRs because you you can't show your shoulders off in a sleeveless jersey

they'll no doubt be the first moaning about how amateurish judging in cycling is compared to triathlon when they can't be identified in a bunch sprint because there was no number on their shoulder

its a bike race not an opportunity to pootle around showing off your "buff" shoulders, so MTFU and follow the rules. If you really don't like it you can still do triathlon

blackhands

All ths talk of sleveless tops comes from triathletes who claim, falsely as it happens, that triathlon rules are more lax - except they forget that you can't always do a triathlon without a wetsuit (whats wrong with Speedos ffs) and you must wear a helmet.

The attitude that "I want to do your race but under my rules" is not acceptable.

bahzob

One thing I'd suggest based on starting TT this year is: whatever equipment you choose to use get some time in over winter practicing in the TT position. The difference between this and riding a road bike is pretty big.

Infamous

The fact is, triathletes are the only people who own sleeveless kit and denying sleeveless kit is like telling triathletes they're not wanted in the sport (ironically, TTs are a major part of triathlon :roll: they even have the same bikes and stupid hats). And as the TT scene dies, Triathlons grow bigger every year.