What is the bicycle time trial?

The time trial (CLM) is a cycling event that is particularly demanding. On the road or track, there is only one watchword: beat your opponents on the clock. What are the variations of CLM? Can you ride a classic road bike? Let's take a look at time trial cycling, the discipline that defies the laws of aerodynamics.

The CLM in road cycling

In road cycling, riders take turns taking off on a timed course. The winner of the race is the rider with the fastest time. Events are run individually, but also in teams, although more rare today.

Except when it takes place in teams, the time trial is a solo exercise during which the cyclist is constantly exposed to the wind. Impossible for him to take advantage of the peloton to shelter from the air and minimize his energy expenditure.

This race format where the average speed can exceed 50 km/h requires extraordinary physical abilities, specific training and a time trial bike.

Note that the cycling event in a triathlon is similar to a time trial when drafting is prohibited, which is in most cases.

Time trial cycling: aerodynamics first

Time trial competitions involve getting a bike designed specifically for the discipline.

These frames are heavier and significantly more rigid than traditional road bikes. Profiled for racing, the time trial bikes offer a reclining position on the extenders. They optimize aerodynamics and performance to split the air.

Cyclists have a choice of wheel pairs depending on the characteristics of the course:

• a low rim for hill climbs;
• a high profile rim to conserve kinetic energy;
• a lenticular (full) wheel in the absence of wind for the most seasoned.

The rider's equipment is completed with an aero helmet and a time trial suit.

Individual time trial races

Individual CLM variants come in two types of races:

• the individual time trial;
• the uphill time trial;

The first CLM format is contested during certain stage races, such as the Tour de France, the Vuelta, or the Giro. Quite often, the start of stage races consists of a short-distance time trial. This is called a prologue.

The individual time trial is also present at the CWorld Road Cycling Championships and the Olympic Games. In the past, the Grand Prix des Nations brought together the biggest names in the sport.

The hillclimb format is none other than a counter-climb that takes place on a single climb, for example the Mont Ventoux or the Alpe d'Huez climb.

Team time trial races

Team time trial events see seven to eight riders compete over a given distance. In this variant, the cyclists ride together and are allowed to ride relays. The time taken into account for the final ranking is that of the 5th athlete to cross the finish line.

Previously an Olympic discipline, the team time trial was an iconic event of the Tour de France. It is now no longer contested on the Tour.

Another format of the CLT is being developed

Another team CLM format: the gentlemen's race. It is run in pairs consisting of a young cyclist, the pitcher, and an older rider, the gentleman. It is the arrival of the gentleman that triggers the end of the time.

The Track CLM

When we talk about cycling time trials, we of course think of the spectacular track races. The discipline takes place indoors, in a velodrome, with the same principle: get the best time possible.

There are six track time trial events:

• the kilometer, men's 1,000-meter time trial, standing start;
• the 500-meter, women's 500-meter time trial, standing start;
• the 200-meter dash, rolling start with two to three running laps;
• the individual pursuit, pitting two riders against each other on the track: the rider who catches up with his or her opponent or achieves the best time over the defined distance is crowned the winner;
• the team pursuit;
• the hour record: a real challenge aiming to cover the longest distance in one hour (current record of 55.089 km held by the Belgian Victor Campenaerts).

French cycling time trial records

The French time trial specialists:

• Jacques Anquetil: hour record holder, record of 9 Grand Prix des Nations, 11 time trial victories in the Tour de France;
• Bernard Hinault: record 19 time trial wins in the Tour, 5 Grand Prix des Nations;
• Jeannie Longo, four-time world time trial champion;
• François Pervis: record holder of the kilometer time trial.

The time trial now has no secrets for you! How about learning more about stage races or main mountain bike events?