Hints and rules for entering a Time Trial event

Fareham Wheelers Club Events: Entries can be made on club night before the event or on the night. It is often helpful to enter in advance so that the organisers can have some idea of numbers. All club time trials are held under Cycling Time Trials (CTT) rules, with which competing club members should make themselves acquainted.

Wearing a crash helmet to approved standards is strongly recommended to all members competing in club events and may be compulsory under the rules of the competition in other events.

Entry fees are dependent on the event.

A junior is defined as somebody who is at least 16, but not over 18 on January 1 of the competition year, which runs from January 1 to December 31.

A juvenile is under the age of 16 on January 1 in the competition year, which runs from January 1 to December 31.

In the event that a club trophy has no winner in any particular year, the committee may decide to award the trophy for an alternative event at their discretion.

Portsdown Time Trial Series Events: Entries can be made on the day.

Other clubs mid-week time trials: Entries can usually be made on the night to enter as a private ride, but it is often better (and courteous) to telephone the organiser in advance to ensure that you can ride.

Entering an Open event

Open time trials under CTT rules must be entered in advance Entry forms for open events can be downloaded from the CTT website; or ask a regular time triallist at the club, who will be able to help. Some events can be entered online from the CTT website.

On the form you need to put in your best times for the distances 10, 25, 50 and 100 miles plus best 12 hour ride, so it is a good idea to keep a record of your results. If you haven't done these events don't worry - just leave the boxes blank. The organiser uses these times to work out the start order. Also, some events have prizes for best improvers on the day which is great if you're just starting out.

You need to know the address to post the entry form to which you can find in the CTT handbook - the handbook, containing details of all the forthcoming seasons races can be obtained in January either direct from the CTT website or through the club, which does make a bulk order. The SouthDC website is also a great place to find out what is going on and has an email service where you can get a reminder to enter events.

You will need to make out a cheque to the club organising the time trial - not to the individual organiser.

Entries must be in to the organiser at least 2 weeks in advance; you will receive the start list and details of the event in the post 4 or 5 days before race day. Sometimes events are oversubscribed in which case your entry will be returned. Sometimes people enter two events to make sure they get a ride - YOU MUST NOT DO THIS - it is against CTT rules - you will be disqualified from both events - this includes club time trials.

Hints for TT events

Competitors should know where they are going! In other words if you do not know where the course goes it is helpful to find out in advance. Check out FWCC regular TT courses.

Always allow adequate time to prepare for your race. You will need to sign on and collect your number. Warming up is essential and a good warm up routine, together with the administration of signing on, preparing your bike etc can take upwards of an hour � so do leave time to arrive at the start feeling relaxed. Note your start time and arrive at least 5 minutes before this (your watch and the timekeepers watch are not likely to say exactly the same time!). Even experienced riders have been know to miss start times � Miguel Indurain once missed his start in the Tour de France by 3 minutes!

Race Organisers, Marshalls and Timekeepers

Somewhat surprisingly races do not organise themselves and lots of helpers are needed to make the races and time trials happen. The club would welcome assistance throughout the year to help with the road races and the time trials which it organisers. Qualifications are not necessary � just a willingness to assist. Please let members of the committee and/or race organisers know if you are willing to help. The club has a successful record of organising good events � please help to keep it that way.