Time trial what is

Save Word. Definition of time trial. Examples of time trial in a Sentence He posted the second best lap in the time trials. Recent Examples on the Web Masters won her third career gold medal and first para cycling medal in the women's H time trial at the Fuji International Speedway in Japan during the Tokyo Paralympics this past summer.

First Known Use of time trial circa , in the meaning defined above. Learn More About time trial. Time Traveler for time trial The first known use of time trial was circa See more words from the same year. Style: MLA. English Language Learners Definition of time trial.

More from Merriam-Webster on time trial Britannica. Get Word of the Day daily email! These will be the best road bike wheels for the job of being aerodynamic than the wheels used on a normal road race, but are also less comfortable, heavier and can make the bike unstable in strong winds.

If you're wondering what the difference is between a time trial bike and a triathlon bike it mostly comes down to the remits of the governing sports bodies which dictate what the bikes can and can't look like.

The triathlon version features different rear frame geometry and the additions of 'faring's' front and rear, which would be deemed as illegal under UCI regulations. Our page dedicated to the best time trail bikes and triathlon bikes goes in to more detail on the differences, as well guiding you through the features and what to look for if you are thinking about investing in one.

There are other changes teams make to their kit specifically for the time trial. The most visually obvious one for spectators will be riders selecting the best road bike helmet in their helmet sponsors range for going fast. Breathability and weight will take a back seat for a preference of watt saving aerodynamics, assisting the rider in punching through the air as swiftly and as cleanly as possible.

Less obvious swap outs will be the choice of clothing, where aero skinsuits, which do away with pockets will make an appearance, such as EF Education-Nippo's Rapha TT Aerosuit that was lunched earlier this year.

However, it's worth noting that clothing also comes under UCI jurisdiction, and must be cleared by the governing body or face being banned in competition as was the case with Endura' Hour Record breaking skinsuit back in While time trials are always held under the same rules, the terrain TT courses cover can vary greatly, meaning each event may suit a different kind of rider.

Alex is the digital news editor for CyclingWeekly. After gaining experience in local newsrooms, national newspapers and in digital journalism, Alex found his calling in cycling, first as a reporter and now as news editor responsible for Cycling Weekly's online news output. Since pro cycling first captured his heart during the Tour de France specifically the Contador-Schleck battle and joining CW in , Alex has covered three Tours de France, multiple editions of the Tour of Britain, and the World Championships, while both writing and video presenting for Cycling Weekly.

He also specialises in fitness writing, often throwing himself into the deep end to help readers improve their own power numbers. There's a sense that you've used the time productively, having seized the day rather than let it drift by.

It doesn't matter what your fitness level is, whether you're 22 or 82, male or female. If you can ride 10 miles on a public road then you can ride a time trial. It's not like a road race, where if you fall off the pack your race is over. Since the slower riders set off first, finish times cluster together. You'll automatically get your personal best time PB in your first time trial. Whether it's or , that's your target to aim at next time.

It doesn't matter what time anyone else got — first and foremost in a time trial, you're racing against yourself. Time trials take place on measured courses on public roads open to traffic. Accordingly, riders are obliged to follow the usual rules of the road. Historically, time trials were shrouded in secrecy as cycle racing was banned on British roads.

By riding separately, time triallists could be seen to be 'going about their normal business' rather than racing. Riders wore inconspicuous clothing and courses were named with a recondite code system — such as V — that's used to this day. Nowadays the secrecy is gone, although it can still look a bit impenetrable.

A time trial start will see a group of cyclists in a layby on a Tuesday evening. The course start and finish might be small marks on a kerbstone. Only a few marshals in brightly coloured vests and perhaps some fold-out signs saying 'cycle race in progress' indicate that there's anything going on. It's not like popping down to the leisure centre. Yet it's not as cliquey as it may appear, and most local cycling clubs are only too happy to see new faces.

If you want to ride more than one or two time trials, you need to join a club that's affiliated to Cycling Time Trials, the sport's governing body. The club secretary will send you a list of club events, and you can ride any of them.

That's local club events. Open events are bigger, attracting riders from across the region or sometimes the country. You have to register in advance for an open event and the fee will usually be a bit higher. You don't need a racing licence for either type of event; membership in a CTT-affiliated club is sufficient.

You can have a go at time trialling without first joining a club, because many also run 'Come and Try It' events. You'll need to check with your local club's secretary to find which events are 'Come and Try It'. All you need is a roadworthy bike. That includes mountain bikes and tourers but not recumbents. If you're 18 or under you have to wear a safety helmet an aero helmet is allowed only if it's up to approved safety standards. If the bug bites, you might decide to get an aero race bike.

Either could be used for training or day rides if you later upgrade to a better model for racing. Assuming the bike is at least half decent, with road tyres, the biggest effect on your speed apart from your fitness! You make up the overwhelming bulk of the air resistance, which is what mostly stops you going faster. So don't wear baggy clothing, and make sure your handlebars are as low as they can comfortably go.

To get more aero still, fit clip-on tri-bars. More expensive bars offer greater adjustability, lower armrest cups and better aerodynamics.

To get a good fit on your tri-bars, you may need to get a different stem. Upgrading your tyres is another way to go faster. Perhaps the biggest improvement will come from using a heart rate monitor because it will tell you how hard you're trying.