| Information
for New Time Trialists  A
time trial is a race in which individual riders (or sometimes small teams of riders)
set off at intervals to try and complete a set course in the shortest possible
time. Time trials usually take place on open public roads, which are sometimes
quite busy.
Almost all time trialling in the UK is organised under the rules
of Cycling Time Trials (CTT).
CTT rules recognise two basic types of time trial: club time trials and open time
trials. A club time trial is only for members and guests of the organising
club. It is usually a fairly low-key affair, which you can enter 'on the line'
for a small fee (currently £3). There are not normally any marshals or direction
signs, or any facilities at the start or finish. By contrast, an open time
trial is much more formal. With a few provisos, anyone who belongs to a CTT-affiliated
club can ride. You have to enter in advance using a special form, the entry fee
is typically £6 or more, there are marshals and signs to guide you round, and
you can expect changing facilities and catering at the event HQ. Beacon promotes
two open time trials details of which are provided in our Open
Races section. | 
