An Overview to Riding Against the Clock
Often dubbed the race of truth, the time trail is one of the purest disciplines in the world of cycling. Each rider against the clock, the time trail is a true test of fitness, technique and attitude. Depending upon the distance of the race, time trailing can offer something for everyone. In the UK at least, time trails are regularly held over set distances, usually 10, 25, 30, 50 and 100 miles as well as 12 and 24 hours. As roads have become a little more congested, hilly courses or less rounded distances on circuits, on quieter roads are also gaining in popularity. Many stage races also pepper the race with times trails as a means of testing riders under different conditions. While skilled sprinters may become adept at hiding in the field until the last 100 meters, the time trail offers an opportunity to riders who have both natural speed and a mindset that enjoys the prolonged effort. During races such as the Tour de France, the race is begun with a prologue time trail. The prolog...