Time Trial League

KILKENNY CYCLES’ TIME TRIALS

“Time trial is a race in which competitors are timed individually on a set distance over a course or track (in French: contre la montre – literally “against the watch”)”. (Source: Britannica encyclopaedia).

So here it is, the Marble City Cyclers inaugural Time Trial league sponsored by Kilkenny Cycles of Michael Street. From 13th May, MCC will be holding the Kilkenny Cycles’ TT League for a 5 week period.  The format of the Kilkenny Cycles’ TT league will allow cyclists to compete, regardless of abilities.  So each individual will be up against the clock, looking for their PB (“personal best”) and signs of improvements and most of all, hoping to top the table at the end of the league.

Some things to know about the Kilkenny Cycles’ Time Trial League:

  • The Kilkenny Cycles’ TT will be done on a league basis.  Points will be awarded for each TT night and the person with the most points at the end of the fives weeks will be declared the winner.
  • Participants will be asked to predict their time for each of the time trials.  Those who are nearest to their prediction on the night will be awarded points.  First place will earn you 10 points, second place will earn you 8 points, third place will earn you 6 points, fourth place will earn you 4 points, 5th place will earn you 3 points and 6th place will earn you 2 points.  And 1 point will be given for simply participating!  Your best 4 nights out of the five will be included in the final tally.
  • The format allows for cyclists to compete for top prize, regardless of ability.
  • Participants will cycle the route of the night on a ‘solo’ basis, rather than in groups.  We anticipate that a participant will be ‘released’ every 45 seconds.
  • As points are awarded for accuracy of time predictions, cyclists will not be allowed to use any watches, clocks or computers for any purpose including time, cadence, speed etc. We would therefore ask participants to remove their cycling computer and watches prior to the start of the TT race.
  • However we are providing the routes in advance (see below) and participant can test themselves on these routes prior to the evening of the particular TT.  This could be useful to note any improvements.
  • We believe the best way to predict your time is based on your best effort to complete the route!
  • No dragging or slip-streaming allowed; If you come upon another participant during the TT, you must remain 5 metres behind them or immediately overtake the cyclists once you come within the 5 metres box.
  • Please note that the Kilkenny Cycles’ TT League is only open to current MCC members and it’s free!!  Non members should simply join MCC to participate (from €30 euros for new members and €40 for renewals, due to CI licence costs).  Forms can be downloaded by clicking here.
  • We strongly advise participants to arrive in good time to allow for a “warm-up”.  Although the TT will be short in distance, they do tend to put a lot of strain on the body for this period of time and without proper warm-up, injuries are more frequent.  Likewise, participants are also advised to “warm-down” after the TT.
  • The Committee’s decision is final in all cases.
  • We would ask all participants to enter into the Kilkenny Cycles’ TT League in the spirit that it is intended.

Routes (distances will follow soon)

  • 13th May – Kells Road TT:  A flat route to kick-off the Leauge.  Time starts on the Kells Road near roundabout on the Ring Road.  This TT will then go as far as the Seven Houses cross road, take a left, come out at Waterford Rd at Danesfort GAA clubhouse, take a left towards Kilkenny, take left at Waterford Rd roundabout and time finishes near Lahart garages.
  • 20th May – Castlecomer Hill TT:  Time starts at the bottom of hill in Castlecomer on Ballyragget Road and time finish at the top of the hill at 7 Cross Roads.
  • 27th May – Cillin Hill or Lyraght Hotel TT:  Time starts near Cillin Hill (on Dublin Road) and finishes at Paddies Pub on Dublin Road.  Simple as that!
  • 3rd June – Kells – Newtown TT:  Time starts just outside Kells village, cycle to Newtown and time finish is back at the “starting line”.
  • 10th June - Kilmanagh Hill TT:  Time starts with a two mile section and climb to top of hill for time finish.

Disclaimer

By virtue of participating in the TT races, cyclists must understand and accept that, because of the risk of accidents and mishaps at speed, there exists a possibility of serious physical injury and damage to property. Each participating cyclist must undertake to indemnify Marble City Cyclers, its committee, members, servants and agents from liability for personal injury, loss and damage which they may cause or sustain, howsoever occurring. Joining the Club or participating in the TT events will be deemed to be acceptance of this condition.