The CTC time trial is a 13.1km route, that travels on a road adjacent to the M8 motorway heading to Fermoy. The route is 6.55km out to a roundabout and 6.55km back to starting point.
*Please take care on the roundabout, it is an active junction and the rules of the road apply.*
The starting point is Killalough Cross. There is parking space available at Killalough Cross – and often people cycle out together from the city, meeting around the top of MacCurtain St. Keep an eye on the WhatsApp chat to join.
What happens? 🤔
- Participants line up on the left side of the road and a timekeeper sets everyone off, 30 seconds apart, with the easy pace cyclists going first and speedy cyclists going last.
- You can race under your name or anonymously under a number.
Top tip
“Know the course, study the course – especially on a new route, considering elevation and turns.”
– CTC Coach Noel O’Regan
Link to course profile:https://www.strava.com/routes/3080934526154548782
CTC TT Route
Elevation of CTC TT route
Advice from CTC Coach Noel O’Regan (TI Level 1)
Saddle Height
- Road and TT bike correct saddle height set up is essential.
- Saddle should be level, or a little nose tilt up range 1-2 mm
- Saddle height as measured from mid crank to centre of saddle.
Find your inseam length by removing your shoes and measuring the distance from your inseam down through your knee joint and from your knee joint to the floor, take this measurement and multiply by 0.889 this will give you a good guide to the correct seat height.
Climbing
- Anticipate which chain-ring/gear you need to be more efficient on the climb: Momentum is key.
- On larger climbs, seated climbing is more efficient, sitting up @ speed below 20Kmph.
“Relaxed grip on bars helps to relax the upper body which equates to minimum wasted energy”
– CTC Coach Noel O’Regan
Cornering
Brake on the straight, prior to bend. Select appropriate gear for exit, keep momentum. Have your inside pedal up and push your weight through your outside pedal. Practice this technique.
Descending
- Looking down the road is key to fast and safe descending. Be on the drops and keep your body as low as possible.
- Pulse your breaking rather than grabbing and holding the breaks.
- You can also adjust your speed by slightly sitting up using your body as an air brake.
Riding Aero
- Practice on a turbo if you’re very new to this skill set.
- Every time you come up off the bars unless it’s a climb or tight corner, you are losing speed and time.
- Spending practice time in the aero position will ensure you become confident and comfortable.
- Consider clip-on bars if you have a road bike.
*These tips formed part of the ‘Introduction to Time Trialing sessions’ completed on the Watergrasshill TT Course May ’23.
All CTC Coaches and Tri Leaders are available for support and advice.
You must be logged in to post a comment.