Time Trials are often termed the race of truth, they are a sub-set of road racing, and a very British pastime. When the National Cyclists’ Union banned group racing in 1890, the cycling Time Trial was born. A Time Trial is an individual race against the clock, most commonly raced over 10, 25 & 50-miles. Riders are set off as individuals usually at 1-min intervals, courses are usually “out and back”, so for example, 5-miles out, negotiate a traffic roundabout, 5-miles back. The original "secret" coded naming convention is still used today, for example the Sleaford course is coded C10/10 – C - Lincolnshire, the distance in miles, and the number given to that course (of that distance) in the region. All UK club events are regulated by a governing body – Cycling Time Trials (CTT).
SWCC TTs
Club TTs are held on Thursday evenings over the late spring to late summer period, typically starting when the clocks change in March. Sleaford has two courses, a 7.8-mile course (called ‘the 7’), and a nationally recognised 10-mile course. Both courses start and finish on the A15, for both courses you ride out to the A52 roundabout at Osbournby and back.
Click Here for details of how the 2024 season's TT's will be run.
What Do I Need to Race?
All that you need is a roadworthy bicycle, a working front and rear light (all year round), and a helmet.
What to Expect?
There is a race entry fee of £4 for club members and £5 for guests, which covers the fees levied by CTT. All of the Sleaford race event staff are unpaid volunteers, they are all doing it because they are passionate about the club. Race entry fees are usually paid when you book in for the race, but there may be an option to pay for the whole season beforehand; details will be confirmed on the SWCC website. The event HQ is in the Horseshoes pub in Silk Willoughby, there is parking behind the pub and along the road outside. The start line(s) are a 5-8 min bike ride from the pub. When you book in you will be issued with a race number which you must fix to the rear of your jersey (safety pins are provided), the race number relates to your start time, you must start the race at the start time given to you when you book in. On completion of your race, you must return the race number to the HQ to show that you are safe and well. If you aren’t pressed for time, the race secretary will read-out the race times once everyone has raced, and it is an ideal opportunity to meet other TTers and the club race staff.
Advice/Further Questions.
There are a number of SWCC riders competing both in the local club TTs and national level events, so if you need any advice or have any further questions, please ask a question on the SWCC socials or website.
