Racing the Clock

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Time trial racing heats up the streets.

In this, “the race of truth,” it’s one rider versus a competitor that never tires. It’s all about speed, with pedal strokes matching each tick of the clock. The French call the time trial contre la montre—against the watch—and in this event there is no place to hide. You just ride, fast, counting on power and endurance to deliver a winning effort.

The first public individual time trial (TT) was a 50-mile affair on a course north of London in 1895, and it has been a mainstay of the sport ever since. Many TTs are raced over short distances, like the exciting Tour de France prologues, typically run on routes under 10 miles. Others, however, involve considerably higher levels of suffering. The 40km (25 miles) TT has long been a benchmark of racing fitness, and any uphill race brings out the best in the field and jettisons the pretenders. Take a look at the 14 steep kilometers of the l’Alpe d’ Huez on Stage of the 2004 Tour de France. More than a few seasoned pros felt the bite of that little outing, and to nab a podium spot, stage racers need to turn in stellar time trial results. 

The Black Dog Time Trial series in Burnsville doesn’t hold quite the luster as le Tour, but it is held in high regard on the local race scene. On the calendar for nearly 25 years, Black Dog is one of the three most popular weekly TT series in the metro area, and brings with it plenty of fierce competition between our hometown superstars.

Tim Mulrooney is a time trial ace, and has been stomping would-be challengers for 22 years. What kind of tutelage would Mulrooney pass on to a new and hungry rider? “You need to train for the effort,” he says, “and specificity is very important. It’s critical to get used to the aero position required on the bike and be comfortable. The more comfortable you are, the faster you’ll go.” Mulrooney adds it’s best to ride at your own speed, but ride hard. Simulate the race in training, and remember not to go out too fast and have nothing left for the finish.

Specialized equipment, of course, helps riders put in a good time. Time trial bikes are rocket ships on two wheels, with carbon frames, disc and spoke wheels, and tight geometry all pitching in for a go-fast day in the saddle.

One of Mulrooney’s toughest rivals is Dan Casper from Northfield, and the two regularly battle it out for the overall series title at Black Dog, the TNT races in Medina and the Withrow series on the open roads of Washington County. Other hammers include Doug Swanson (Black Dog course record holder), and David Thompson, a triathlon specialist who blisters TT courses.

Team time trials are another thrilling speed event, especially if you’re on the team. Groups of five to nine riders scorch over the course in tight formation, gleaning every hundredth of a second advantage possible by drafting each other with just inches between wheels. It’s an impressive event to watch, and lots more fun to ride.

There are still a few TT’s left on this season’s calendar. Sign up and head out, bring your strongest motor, and light it up.

Comments & Feedback

Anonymous  - Course record   |Posted on: 08.13.2008 Great article.. thanks for sheading light on a great event. the actual course reord is held by Nick Robertson of Eau Claire WI at 13:49. Doug Swanson nearly beat it this year with a 13:50. No one else has gone under 14 minutes.

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