TIME TRIALS RULES

Yes, they do rule! But there are also rules that help make it rule. Our Time Trial Ruler, Kirsten Smith, has laid out the rules that will help you have a speedy Time Trial season, so that you rule the bike interval at your next race! Last year Ryan Blake ruled the course with a blistering 31:22 in 2012. What time will you rule with?

Time Trial Rules:

1. You are responsible for your own safety. Obey traffic laws. The roads are not closed for the event. You are deemed to be a regular road user.
2. Check in with the timekeeper to receive your departure number position
3. Line up at starting line on the shoulder in departure number order.
4. Generally ride to the right as you would when normally using the road. You are not required to be on the paved shoulder.
5. Respect the rights of other road users. Allow plenty of room when passing pedestrians or other cyclists.
6. When passing another TT participant, abide by traffic laws pertaining to passing another road user. Do not pass to the right. Maintain a speed sufficient to get clear of the other participant.
7. When being passed by another TT participant, you must allow a five bike length gap to be created before you make an attempt to catch and pass that participant unless you were already accelerating (as happens when approaching the finish line).
8. Do not ride with your head down.
9. The decision to turn is yours alone. You must check in both directions well in advance of the turnaround point to determine whether it is safe to turn. If in doubt, err on the side of waiting.
10. Helmet use is mandatory.

Procedural Rules:

1. No drafting is allowed except in team time trials. The five bike length rule applies.
2. Call out your number loud and clear as you approach and cross the finish line. If another rider is crossing the finishing line just ahead of you, allow him or her to call his or her number first so the correct finishing sequence can be recorded.
3. Ride through the finish line and continue riding in the same direction so as not to interfere with riders finishing behind.
4. Make your U-turn at least 100 meters beyond the finish line.