"The 33"-Road Bike Racing - Gold Standard 40K TT Times?

So I did some reading awhile back and it seems that 40K seems to be the gold standard of TT's. For the sake of argument, lets assume this is true. As an old verteran returning to racing, I'd love some honest input as to what type of times one should expect to see for a 40K TT.

Cat 5 -
Cat 4 /Masters 35+ -
Cat 3 -


Also, lets assume its the same course, conditions, and bike. In other words, to effectively compete at each level, where do you see typical times coming in for these racing categories. Of course the best way to find out is to just get out there (which I plan to do). I'd just like to guage myself and have a benchmark to shoot for.

Thanks

Random guess:
Cat 5 - Sub hour
Cat 4 - sub 58
Cat 3 - Sub 55
Masters 35+ Sub 54

Random guess:
Cat 5 - Sub hour
Cat 4 - sub 58
Cat 3 - Sub 55
Masters 35+ Sub 54

That seems way too fast.

That seems way too fast.
I wouldn't say so for actually winning one.

Here are some results (http://www.uncletren.com/results/05-08-40k.htm) from a local 40k last may

Best of each ...
cat 1-2... 58:02
cat 4... 56:56
cat 5... 59:16
women... 1:03:27
45+... 0:56:24
55+... 1:01:03
65+... 1:05:54

One thing to remember about TT's. Cat's can be very deceiving. At states last year, the cat 4 winner went faster then the cat 3 guys. Lots of very fast 3 and 4 guys out there that pretty much just race TT's.

Results from a 40k last april

Cat 5 - 55:25
Cat 4 - 57:15
Cat 3 - 56:18
Cat 1/2/3 - 52:37
40 + - 56:02
50 + - 56:53

I think the course could make a big difference

Pro 1-2 53.44
Cat 3 55.47
Cat 4 57.15
Cat 5 58.48
M35+ 53.13
M45+ 53.52
M55+ 52.55


Quick results from the Fl. State TT Championship last year.

The OP said "Gold Standard".
So, obviously he wants times needed to win or place I presume.
They would have to based on cool temps, a windless day and few turns.

Ask DrWJO about categories and their corresponding TT times... ;)

These are 2007 men's times for Church Creek, a dead flat 40km loop, which usually has some headwind in the middle (so I guess a tailwind at the beginning and end).

5 - 59:13
4 - 56:05
1/2/3 - 50:56
40+ - 52:15

Always amazes me how fast the old guys still are.

1st goal is to get under 60 minutes. after that, then there will be some variance depending on the day and course conditions, but generally, what DrWOD said. once you start hitting sub 53', you're a playa.

I suppose with the above answers, you get the idea. Check out your state championships over the past 2-3 years - conditions will vary between years and you see a difference of a couple minutes on the same course.

Generally, if your a Cat5 or just starting out, shoot for a sub hour with good aero equipment. If you have been training for a couple years, have a coach and have been trying to be a TT specialist then shoot for a sub 55.
Then again, every state has a different course - not all are flat out and back. I like the idea of a TT series, like last years Chicago TT series. Each course was different - most had a series of turns and hills and each posed a different set of challenges. I hope they put it on again this year. Here's a link

http://www.chicagoTT.com

Look at the final results : So - it's difficult to say exactly what time is a gold standard, it depends on too many factors. If you find yourself new and competitive with the Cat1,2,3s, consider yourself doing pretty good.

Results from a 40k last april

Cat 5 - 55:25
Cat 4 - 57:15
Cat 3 - 56:18
Cat 1/2/3 - 52:37
40 + - 56:02
50 + - 56:53

Is it safe to say that the CAT 5 winner is no longer a CAT 5 anymore.....

Is it safe to say that the CAT 5 winner is no longer a CAT 5 anymore.....

Nope. No upgrade points for TT's, only for mass start events. NorCal had/has the world's fastest Cat5 for several years.


I think the course could make a big difference

It can. Heat, humidity, wind, altitude, pavement, Etc. Our state TT course this year was slower than molasses.

Is it safe to say that the CAT 5 winner is no longer a CAT 5 anymore.....

Much better bet that he's a try-athlete.

Comparing times over the huge variety of courses and conditions is impossible. A sub-hour goal is nice, but pretty easy these days if you spend a few dollars.

As you know, racing is the only way to find out.

That seems way too fast.

Nope. I barely won a cat4 last year with a ~56:30 equivalent (race was about a kilo too long or so).

Nope. I barely won a cat4 last year with a ~56:30 equivalent (race was about a kilo too long or so).

In that case, I'm just slow as hell.

Caveat: I've not ready any other replies

Question: What type of bike, road or dedicated TT/Tri bike?

Cat 5 can break an hour on a tt bike, but it takes a hard man to do it without aero crap

http://www.chicagoTT.com

Thanks for drudging up one of my crappiest results all last year :thumb:

I will break an hour this year. That I know. i may even break it by quite a bit. I do not see myself getting below 58 minutes this year.

The TT's I have been in I seem to always lose to some phenom that decimates everyone by 2-4 minutes. I could have sworn there were some 54 and 55 minute cat 5 TT's last year but everyone else (position 2-infinity) was more like in the 58 minute range or longer.

Caveat: I've not ready any other replies

Question: What type of bike, road or dedicated TT/Tri bike?

Cat 5 can break an hour on a tt bike, but it takes a hard man to do it without aero crap

DoK claims he can pound out a sub hour 40k in the drops any time he feels like. I believe him.

One thing to remember about TT's. Cat's can be very deceiving. At states last year, the cat 4 winner went faster then the cat 3 guys. Lots of very fast 3 and 4 guys out there that pretty much just race TT's.

That was my teammate and he would have finished third in the cat1 field...he's a TT'n freak.

Cat 5 can break an hour on a tt bike, but it takes a hard man to do it without aero crap


DoK claims he can pound out a sub hour 40k in the drops any time he feels like. I believe him.

DoK is not a Cat 5.

EDIT: ...and if he did make that assertion then having met the man - I believe him as well...

Who is DoK?

Who is DoK?

Duke of Kent.