Helping Out at Time Trials

De-mystifying the roles for the uninitiated…

Time trials (TTs) can only take place when they are properly marshalled. Thankfully, marshalling isn’t complicated — most roles can be easily picked up with minimal instruction. You don’t need to be an experienced time triallist — or even a cyclist — and there’s no need to direct traffic!

The summary below gives an overview of the roles involved. While some course-specific details may vary, the Race Organiser will explain these on the night.

Running a Time Trial – Key Roles

All time trials must be approved by the Cycling Time Trials body. They require comprehensive risk assessments and the police must be informed. This is all taken care of by our Race Secretary — in our case, the brilliant Paul Stephens.

Race Organiser

(Often also acts as the Timekeeper)

The Race Organiser acts as the central control point on the night. This person is either the Race Secretary or someone nominated in advance. They are responsible for:

• Managing the sign-on sheet
• Checking rider eligibility and payment
• Announcing any changes due to local conditions (e.g. new potholes, visibility issues, light requirements)
• Seeding riders into an appropriate start order (typically slower riders go off first)

Timekeeper

The Timekeeper:

• Issues a 5-minute warning before the start
• Calls up riders in number order to the start line
• Gives countdowns: “30 seconds… 10… 5, 4, 3, 2, 1… go!”
• Records finish times and calculates actual ride times

For accuracy and backup, two stopwatches are started one minute before the first rider departs. This way, one watch can be taken to the finish line if needed, especially with larger fields.

Pusher-Off

This person helps at the start by holding the rider’s bike steady, allowing both feet to be clipped in before the countdown. The bike is held either:

• From the side (seat post and top tube), or
• From behind (under the saddle)

They begin holding from the 30-second mark and release the bike at “Go!”. Riders and bikes are easy to hold when balanced.

Route Marshals

Marshals ensure riders stay on the correct course. Positioned near potential wrong turns (e.g. roundabouts), they point in the right direction but do not direct traffic.

Marshals should:

• Wear a high-vis vest (provided)
• Stand in a safe, non-obstructive location
• May be asked to place warning signs en route, e.g. to alert drivers of cyclists ahead

How You Can Help

If you’re able to lend a hand and keep these time trials running smoothly, please check out the sign-up sheet below and volunteer. Bringing along a friend or relative to help is also very welcome!