LWR TT Series FAQs

What kind of bike do I need?

You can do a time-trial on any type of bike (not electric!) as long as it works and is road-worthy.

What else do I need?

No, a road-worthy bike is all that is needed to take part.  If you have any “aero” equipment such as clip on bars, aero helmet, deep wheels etc, you will be included in one of the aero categories of the LWR TT series.

Am I fast enough?

As long as you can comfortably complete the distance you will be fine!  You are only racing against the clock, so it makes no difference if you are slower than others.  Everyone has to start somewhere.  The time trialling community is very welcoming and there are often experienced riders on hand at sign on and after the race willing to offer encouragement and support.

Do I need to be a member of a cycling club?

You must be a member of a cycling club which is affiliated to Cycling Time Trials in order to enter an open event.  For the purposes of the London Women’s Racing TT Series you can be enrolled in a club called ‘London Women’s Racing CC’ so that you can take part in the LWR TT Series events. You should state your club on your Series entry and on each event entry.

Don’t forget! You must be a paid up member of London Women’s racing to enter the league and race for points and prizes. Go here for membership details.

How much do races cost?

The entry fee for open events is usually around £10-£11.

How early should I arrive at an event?

Prior to an open event you will have received a start sheet giving your start time. You must be on the start line ready to start at your assigned time. Most riders usually aim to reach the HQ about an hour before their start time, to collect their number, sign on and get warmed up without rushing.  Please keep in mind that the start line can sometimes be a 15 to 20 minute cycle from the start line.

Can I change there?

Open events usually have a HQ at a village hall or similar. There is usually space to change and toilet facilities.

What else should I bring with me?

• Your bike and all equipment for riding it (helmet, shoes etc)
• A track pump
• Tools, allen keys and spare inner tube.
• A drink
• Recovery drink/ food (You usually get a free cup of tea in exchange for returning your rae number)
• Rear Light
• Some riders choose to bring a turbo to warm up on, while others warm up on the local roads.

If I ride out to the event will I be able to leave my kit somewhere safe while I race?

Yes, it is quite common for cyclists to ride out to events. You can leave kit or clothing at the HQ.

What is traffic on the roads like?

The safety of riders is carefully considered when deciding whether a course is used for a time trial. Some events do involve riding on dual-carriageways but the traffic is expected to be relatively light. Some of the events are entirely on single-carriageway roads. We have tried to provide course descriptions for each of the events in the LWR TT series.

What should I wear?

The CTT does have some rules about what can be worn in time-trials.  Basically, ordinary cycling shorts to mid-thigh, and an ordinary cycling jersey with sleeves (or any other clothing which covers the body in the same way) are acceptable. Sleeveless jerseys are not allowed. Also, you should not wear clothing showing commercial sponsorship unless your club is a sponsored club.

Do I have to wear a helmet?

Adults are not required to wear a helmet although you are strongly advised to do so. However, Cycling Time Trials regulations state that all juniors and youth riders (anyone under the age of 18) are required to wear a safety helmet.

Do I have to be ‘held’ at the start?

At the start of time-trials riders are usually held-up with their feet ready clipped into the pedals as the timekeeper counts them down. If you don’t want to be held up and would rather just start off on your own when the timekeeper says “go”, then just inform the officials on the start line.

Will there be marshals to direct me?

There should be marshals on the course to make traffic aware that a cycling event is taking place. However, their role is NOT to tell you where to go. The onus is on the rider to know the course. You will receive information about the course with the start sheet.  Make sure that you know where the course goes!

Will I be overtaken?

This very well could happen, but don’t worry – this happens to everyone at some point. Just let the overtaking rider get well ahead of you so that you get no ‘drafting’ advantage and don’t get discouraged. Concentrate on riding your own race at your own pace. This, after all, is what time-trialling is all about!

What happens at the finish line?

When you pass the timekeeper at the finish line it is traditional to shout out your number in case the timekeeper can not see your number. Continue back to race HQ.  Be aware that timekeepers at the finish line will not give you your result as they are still busy recording others times!

Where can I see the results?

Results are displayed back at the HQ on a result board as they are called in from the finish line. You should also receive a formal results sheet via email a few weeks after the event. We encourage you to wait around for the LWR prize presentation at the HQ at the finish of each event.

How LWR TT Series Categories are Determined

Road Bike: this category is for women taking part in an event on a standard road bike with no aero accessories of any sort (see TT rules here for more details) aged 39 and below as of January 1, 2020 (excludes those holding a BC cat 2 or above racing license)

Road Bike Vet: this category is for women taking part in an event on a standard road bike with no aero accessories of any sort aged 40 and above as of January 1, 20120  (excludes those holding a BC cat 2 or above racing license)

Aero 1:  Any competitor taking part on a bike with aero equipment (time trial or road bike with clip ons or any sort of aero equipment) with a 10 mile PB recorded on CTT previous to March 1st, 2020of 24:00 or faster

Aero 2: Any competitor taking part on a bike with aero equipment (time trial or road bike with clip ons or any sort of aero equipment) with a 10 mile PB recorded on CTT previous to March 1st, 2020 between 24:01 or slower.

Notes:  Any racer holding a BC cat 2 or above license as of March 1st, 2020  will automatically be put in Aero 2 unless they have a CTT recorded PB that would place them in Aero 2 or Aero 1

If a racer in an aero category without a previous CTT recorded PB records a finishing time in their first race in the series that would qualify them for a higher category they will be moved to the appropriate category for all subsequent races and overall standing.  However points allocated to all competitors in that particular race stand

Initial FAQs with thanks to Midlands Women’s TT Series