Cycling has, for a while now, been the source of great success for Team GB at the Olympics and Paralympics. The sport has elevated those such as Bradley Wiggins, Chris Hoy, Victoria Pendleton, and Sarah Storey to become household names. I’m sure that many of those competing in the event this article is previewing will have been inspired to compete because of these sporting icons. Moreover, they will hope they will be able to channel their inner Bradley Wiggins to ensure they give their all during the course.
The time trial event is all about fast-paced, full effort cycling for the entirety of the course. Everything each competitor has will be left on the route, with 110% put in from start to finish. The event is a race against the clock, with only seconds separating several places. Everything has to be executed to perfection, with simple mistakes costing valuable time, and potentially, positions. Students representing their universities at the time trial will be under a lot of pressure to perform, taking it in their stride as they push for the best possible time.
Location and Date
This year’s time trial will see BUCS Cycling return to the roads of Cambridge, where the 2020/21 event took place. The date for the event is Sunday 3rd April, just under a year since the student cyclists last took to the roads of Cambridgeshire. Given the nature of the event, a HQ has been set up, at the Ellesmere Centre, Stetchworth, CB8 9TS. The event HQ will open at 10am on the day of the time trials, with separate male and female toilets and changing facilities available on site. Riders are encouraged to arrive no earlier than the two hours before their race time, as suggested by the event organisers.
Where does the event start?
It is worth noting that the event does not start at the HQ at the Ellesmere Centre, with the start point actually nearly three miles down the road, with a small hill en route. The start point is halfway along a lay-by along the A1303, which is situated about 650 yards south-west of the Stetchworth Roundabout. There is parking available near the start, both along the route from HQ to the start point, as well as along a minor exit of the nearby Newmarket roundabout. Those parking near the start are reminded to ‘park considerately and responsibly, being mindful of other vehicles.’
What is required in order for the cyclists to participate?
The university students who are travelling in order to compete must ensure a front-facing white light and rear-facing red light are fitted to their bikes. Those who do not have these fitted will be unable to face. Moreover, it is suggested by the event organisers that racers wear a hardshell safety helmet, which conforms to international safety standards.
What is at stake for the racers?
Following the conclusion of the final run along the route, there will be a medal presentations. The top three riders with the fastest times in both the men’s and women’s individual event will be presented with a medal. There is also the potential for a medal from the team event. This is decided by combining the three quickest times of riders from the same gender, with the three fastest universities earning medals. Again, the men’s and women’s categories are separate.
There are also BUCS points on offer at this event. In the men’s and women’s individual category, the first placed rider’s institution will be awarded 12 BUCS points, second 8, third 6, and fourth 4. In the men’s and women’s team event, the first placed university will earn 20 points, second 14, third 10, fourth 7, fifth 5, sixth 3, seventh 2, and eighth placed will be awarded one point.