Today, was a 50 mile Time trial organised by Reading CC, on the Aldermarston Course (A4). It is three and a bit laps of a 15 mile circuit. I finished 2nd in a time of 1.52.17. This was a personal best by two minutes, so I was pleased.
We kept passing quite a few sportive riders on the road, they were trundling along probably quite enjoying themselves. After the race, I saw more around the Greenham common area on some nice backroads. I wonder what they were thinking of these time triallists racing up and down the A4.
After the race, it was nice to meet a fellow rider, Tom, who said he found my blog after deciding to get back into cycling after a long lay off (he raced in the mid 80s, until he found things in life more attractive than training and 7am races up dual carriageways). Maybe he came through this post. – Coming back to cycling after long lay off
Riding a 50 Mile Time Trial.
Last year, I rode the National 50 mile Time trial championship, and blew up at 25 miles. I ended up doing 2.05.00. It’s a fine balance between riding fast and leaving enough for last half. I rode fairly conservatively, riding first 25 miles in about 55.45. I managed to keep up that pace for the last half of the race and felt strong until the finish.
I quite enjoy 50 mile time trials because it’s not a mad sprint and if you can get into a good rhythm then it feels a good work out. However, if you run out of energy or start too quickly, the 50 miles can seem interminable. It is better to leave a little in the tank and try and pick up the pace towards the last 20 miles.
Food and Drink
The weather was cool with a light wind. One 800ml bottle with energy drink was enough to last the two hours comfortably. However, since it was an early start (8.30am), I made sure I was well fuelled up. I had some porridge oats before bed (I thought Porridge oats with Soya milk were a suitable way to celebrate England’s one-one draw with that footballing giant – the United States.) In the morning I had an early breakfast and quite a few energy gels and energy drink. You don’t feel much like eating at that time in the morning, but it’s important to have good sugar levels for the race. You sometimes feel you are forcing it down, but, you can’t do a 50 mile time trial on fat reserves.
Training
You can get away with doing a 50 mile time trial, without a huge mileage. But, ideally, you would be doing a few 80 mile rides at least every fortnight. But, I would still count a 50 mile time trial as short distance time trialling, the key is to build up speed. If you can ride a fast 10, and gain the necessary endurance, you should do well.
Reading CC 50 Mile Time Trial
| Pos | Rider | Club | Time |
| 1 | Adam Topham | High Wycombe CC | 01:49:19 |
| 2 | Tejvan Pettinger | Sri Chinmoy CT | 01:52:16 |
| 3 | Gabriel Martinez | VC Meudon | 01:53:54 |
| 4 | Paul Holdsworth | Hounslow & Dist Whlrs | 01:54:03 |
| 5 | Paul Matthews | UtagYamaha.com | 01:54:38 |
Thanks to Reading CC for event. I especially liked the vegetarian quiche post ride, it’s nice to have something savoury after all those sweet drinks…
Related
great result by the way – a good season for you!
my legs hurt after tackling porlock hill this weekend, it’s that sort of dull tightness. DOMS i think they call it. rest day!
The picture was of a 10 mile TT I don’t have an aero bottle, though probably should get one. Good luck with 50. Legs are tired this morning
where is your 800ml bottle in the picture?
did you use an aero bottle? i have a 50 coming up.