The UK time trial scene is set for a potential overhaul as the governing body, Cycling Time Trials (CTT), proposes significant changes to the sport. 'I guess the proof will be in the pudding', as the saying goes, and the upcoming CTT annual meeting will be a crucial moment for the future of time trials in the UK. If the new proposal is approved, the landscape of time trial courses could be dramatically transformed.
The CTT's Board of Directors has put forward a plan to introduce two new course types: 'Competition' and 'Racing'. This move aims to tackle a long-standing issue in the sport - course loss. Currently, course regulations are stringent, making it challenging to design new or replacement courses. For instance, the finish must be relatively close to the start, with a maximum distance of 1.5 miles for courses between 10-15 miles and 2.5 miles for courses between 25-50 miles.
Under the new proposal, course designers will have more freedom. There will be no upper limit on the 50% rule, allowing organizers to decide whether having the finish line 50 miles away from the start would enhance or hinder their event. This change could potentially open up new possibilities for course design, but it also raises questions about the balance between accessibility and challenge in time trials.
However, this is not the only controversial change on the table. The CTT is also debating a proposal to reverse a ruling from last year, which specified that only bike frames marketed specifically for road use can be used in road bike time trials. Additionally, there's a proposal to reduce the maximum rim depth of front and rear wheels from 90mm to 65mm, again for road bike time trials. These changes could significantly impact the equipment and strategies used in the sport.
The CTT's AGM will be a pivotal moment, as these proposals could shape the future of time trials in the UK. While some may welcome the opportunity for more innovative course designs, others may express concerns about the potential impact on the sport's traditional values. And this is the part most people miss... The debate over these proposals is sure to spark interesting discussions, so be sure to share your thoughts in the comments. Do you think these changes will enhance or hinder the time trial experience? The proof, as they say, will indeed be in the pudding.
