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Subject: TTT Pacing

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vortex
Posts:1

Posted:9/9/2005 11:15:27 AM

We are competing in a 59 KM team time trial this weekend and are
a bit confused about time spent at the group lead position. This is a 4 man event on a relatively flat, rectangular course.
We have debated whether less than "45 second shifts" at the front for the first course half alternating with "longer, 1-2 minute" stretches by stronger individuals during the second half would benefit us.

Any qualified opinions would be helpful.(This is a first time event for most of us.)

Gary Tingley
Posts:0

Posted:9/9/2005 11:21:21 AM

That's a long time trial!

I think shorter pulls are a better option, allowing for maybe 15 +/- second pulls at an effort higher than the rider could normally do solo

So if they ride at 25mph for 40k in a ITT, then the group should shoot for maybe 26-27mph in the TTT, for the same flat windless course

Stronger riders should take longer pulls at the end of the event (if they can) to allow weaker riders to hang on and draft, allowing you to finish with all 4 riders

Good luck

Kam
Posts:12

Posted:9/9/2005 11:47:00 AM

45sec is a hell of a long time. I agree that between 10-15sec will be ideal unless someone is feeling super good or super bad. If super good, let them pull a bit longer but the more they dig into their reserves the more they'll have to recover. If super bad, take an extra break and recover in the back.

Keep in mind that you'll also face a slight head/side wind on the south/west side of the course and a tail wine on the east. If you're all equal in ability, consider taking shorter pulls into the wind and perhaps longer with the wind behind you, which depends on who is feeling good.

The most important things, in my opinion, are to be smooth in your transitions, be aware of each others efforts and positions, be extra aware of environmental conditions (with a side wind, don't hug the shoulder as you would in an ITT because it'll drive the rest of your teammates into the gutter, others on the course, sand/gravel, etc.), and don't, under any circumstance, discount having fun!

Have a great race,

Kam

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