Road Bike Racing - 40k Time Trial

ok so I'm planning on doing this 40k Time Trial next weekend, although I really have never done a TT before (I didn't even know about this one until a few days ago)

there are virtually 0 races in Las Vegas, and these time trials are basically all we have (kinda lame :rolleyes: ) but anyhow I'm guessing there should be a large showing at this TT and I will be riding cat 5.

So anyhow I'm just looking for some advice on how I should ride the TT (gearing, cadence, avg speed, etc) I alreay have a set of areo bars that I am comfortable using otherwise I'm a newbie to this :o

The key to success in a time trial is a much mental dicipline during the actual race as it is fitness. You must remain focused on getting there as fast as possible ignoring the searing pain of your legs. Every twich, every head movment, ever joule of energy not put into getting you there faster delays out that much.

I'm not experienced, but I would think that riding at a cadence of 90 should be okay, as fast as you comfortably can in the aero position.

Is it a good idea to practice TT often or should a person just train/ride like usual?

Don't go out too hard. You want to be going as hard at the end as at the beginning. The trick is to find out what effort you can sustain over 40k. If you blow at the end you went out too hard. If you have a lot left at the end, you didn't go hard enough.

Since it's your first TT just go out and have fun. Post a time and analyze what you could do better. It will take several TT to find what tactics work best for you. Cadence, HR, Position, course all need to be considered.

Good luck!

:beer:

unfortunately the TT got canceled, I guess the Nevada Highway patrol didn't like the idea of a TT out in the middle of nowhere :rolleyes:

thanks for the advice though :)

I don't think a 40k TT is the best way to startout myself...That'd be a real dog.

Originally posted by fubar5
I don't think a 40k TT is the best way to startout myself...That'd be a real dog.

yeah I guess so, but I did a practice TT with some rolling hills (small hills) about 2 weeks ago and came up with a 20 mph average for 21 miles. Although I wasn't really going at full max, I'd like to compare myself to the other 'racers' here in vegas.