25 Mile Time Trials - Times and Training

Next week, I will be entering my first 25 mile time trial of the year. My fastest time for a 25 mile time trial is 52.57 set 2 years ago on the A4 Aldermarston course (H25/1). Though, I would be pleased to get anywhere near that time next week.

The fastest every 25 mile time trials were set by

1. Chris Boardman - 45.57 on 29th May 1993 - Course: H25/13  Average Speed = 32.644mph
2. Michael Hutchinson - 46.21……7 July 2002………..H25/13
3. Sean Yates - 46.57……28 Sept 1997……H25/13

Also worth mentioning Alf Engers who set a time of - 49 minutes and 24 seconds in 1978, averaging 30.364 (this was before modern technology like low pro and tribars)

That is really fast; you have to admire anyone who can average over 31mph for a distance of 25 miles.

In many ways a 25 mile time trial is considered the blue ribband event of time trialling. It is closest in proximity to the ‘cycling world hour record’ For a new cyclist, there is a real challenge of seeking to break the hour - riding at over 25mph for an hour. There was a time when breaking the hour was a real achievement. However, modern technology such as low profile time trial bikes, discwheels and tribars have made it relatively easier.

Training for a 25 mile Time trial.

A 25 mile time trial requires a combination of speed and endurance. Average speeds for 25 mile time trials tend to be only slightly lower than for a 10 mile time trial. It is important to have a good base endurance. Riding 3 hour rides throughout the year is a good base to work from. Then in early season it becomes important to train at your race threshold. Interval training should be at race pace, or just above. If you can, complete several intervals of 5 minutes, with perhaps 5 minutes rest in between. Of course, racing is one of the best ways to get fit for a 25 mile time trial. Doing 10 mile time trials is a good way of working on your speed and will definitely help improve your top end speed.

Pacing in a 25 Mile Time Trial

Like any time trial, it is important to get the pacing right. The simple goal is to maintain a constant effort throughout the race, trying to avoid bursts of speed followed by slow. You can’t just this effort by your speedometer. If you are riding into the wind, don’t despair as you see the speed drop. Similarly when you have the wind behind you, make sure you maintain the same effort and make the most of the tail wind.

• Don’t start too quickly, you don’t want to build up too much lactic acid early on.
• Maintain concentration throughout the race. The real test is keeping your effort level at the optimum pace throughout the race. Avoid the temptation to slow down when you could maintain a higher pace.
• If anything, you want to go harder in the last half of the race. This is when the build up of lactic acid can become higher, as you have less time to endure it. At the same time you shouldn’t be sprinting for the line as this indicates you save too much for the last mile.

• Time Trials in the UK
• Training for a 10 Mile Time Trial
• Tips for Racing Time Trials