"Suz" <
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news:<Zr%
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> "Russell" <
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>
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> >
> > John Kaiser <
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> >
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> > > Now that I've watched a lot of races on TV and having done a few time trials myself, I'm
> > > hoping to improve a little. I got the aerobars at least but I can't pay out on any more high
> > > tech stuff. No disc wheels. No skin suits. Not even a weird looking helmet. So is there a
> > > secret to fast time trials? Is it high cadence? I've seen Lance on TV and he sure does ride
> > > fast with high cadence. I'm guessing that's a big part of it. If all you speed demons can give
> > > me some tips, I need them by this weekend.
> >
> > Here's my 2 pence worth. I ride the most pathetic bike you could possibly imagine with tri-bars
> > fitted but still hold my own against the 'serious' guys. Its my 3rd season of TTs and first for
> > RRs. I'm finding an amazing difference with the sudden speed changes but it is a lot of fun.
> > For a TT
> I
> > start with abosolute maximum effort until I reach the speed I am going to try to maintain (so
> > I'm going slow for as little time as possible), then ease off & stick at this effort level (say
> > 90-95%% of max heart rate for
> 10
> > mile TT) until about 1 mile from the finish. Then ride as hard as
> possible
> > without dying then give it everything for the last few hundred meters. Personally I don't think
> > the cadence matters too much, its what works best for you. If its rolling, work slightly harder
> > on the ups and rest a little on the downs. Breath big and deep from T-60 seconds
> >
>
> I pretty much agree with the above. Get up to speed and settle into a rhythm as quickly as
> possible, a consistent, measured effort. (Note; don't sprint all out for more than 6-8 pedal
> strokes, you'll blow your power too early.) I agree with the 90-95 % of max rule, for shorter TT's
> at least. Hopefully you have a HR monitor to help you with this. I find it's easier to stay in a
> rhythm with a higher cadence, 90-100 is my preference. Just try to stay consistent (if it's not
> hilly). DON'T do what j999w said and be suffering like a dog, and jumping in & out of the saddle,
> (unless you have a hill), you'll just waste your energy. I bet j999w doesn't win a lot of TT's
> ;-). (No offense to j999w.) Don't rest TOO much on the downhills, unless they are too steep to
> keep pedaling. Some other time-savers, worth a few to several seconds:
>
> -Position is key- dial yours in. (You'll need someone to help you with this.) Just slapping the
> aerobars on may not cut it. I usually lower my stem and move my seat a bit, but you need to find
> what works for you. (Note: If your thighs are hitting your stomach, it does NOT work for you!)
> -Tape down your number, or pin it very securely, with at least 8 pins. Nothing sadder than passing
> some poor schmoe in a TT who has a small parachute sailing off his/ her back -Wear your tightest
> jersey. Tape your pockets closed. You won't need them. -Only bring the amount of water you need.
> If it's 10 miles or less, and not too hot, you probably won't need a bottle at all. -Do hydrate
> well before your start, a sport drink of some sort is preferable. -TT bootie covers! -Have fun!
> It's really not THAT bad ;-)
>
> Hope this helps.
>
> -Suz
Yes, somehow all the good advice helped and I got my best result of the season with a 10th place
finish in a time trial Saturday. Okay, nothing to jump up and down about but it looks like I might
do alright in time trials after all. Something to build on, at least. It's definitely a unique part
of the sport and obviously key to doing well in stage races.
