Individual Time Trialist

Also known as "The race of truth" , a time trial (TT) is a race where the athlete is tested without the assistance of a group or the peloton. A TT'r performs well when racing at or above their lactic threshold and has a higher ratio of slow twitch muscles to fast twitch muscles as compared to their peers.

Exceptional time trial cyclists have the ability to generate a large amount of power relative to their weight for a distance of around 40 Kilometers or almost 25 miles. This is the essential part of being a successful time trial specialist.

However, the best time trialists utilize mechanical, equipment, aerodynamic advantages, and positioning data to assist them. Bike selection is imperative to the time trialist. The cyclist selects a bike that is best suited to their individual abilities and body measurements. Factors such as geometry, aerodynamics and stiffness are important and weight all have an influence on the outcome of the race. The fit specialists at Crofton Bike Doctor are experts at helping you select the right bike for your riding or maximizing your current bike. Give the store a call to set up a fit for you. When reducing the effects of wind resistance we need to take into consideration what the effect on the power output is and vice versa to reach an optimal state between the two. TT'rs also need to take into consideration the mechanical advantages of the equipment you are using when determining gear ratio's, wheel types, helmet, clothing, tire selection and pressure, and so on. The conditions of the race will help guide the TT athlete through the process and let them achieve victory through utilizing all of the tools in their arsenal.

The take aways

~ Train to have a high lactic threshold with a high power to weight ratio.

~ Get into the best aerodynamic position that does not "significantly" compromise your power output based on the conditions of the course.

~ Choose the equipment that will give you the best advantage based on the conditions of the course and your individual uniqueness.

Coach Mike Matney is a local coach of triathletes and cyclists. He has qualified athletes for the Hawaii Ironman World Championships, Half Ironman World Championships, XTERRA National Championships, National Age Group Olympic Championships as well as coaching many age group athletes to achieve podium spots as age group athletes and successful completion of their ultra endurance events.

Coach Mike Matney competes in triathlons of all distances up to Ironman, XTERRA, mountain bike racing, and is an alternate rider for Team4Mil, an 8 man team competing in the Race Across America (RAAM)

He has over 20 years experience in the US Army, is married to his wonderful wife Christine and enjoys spending his off time with his three daughters.