The governing body for time trial cycling in the UK, Cycling Time Trials (CTT), has made crucial adjustments to its road bike time trial rules, aiming to reduce potential loopholes and ensure fair competition.
Riders had raised concerns about a specific rule introduced earlier this year, which prohibited any part of the wrists or forearms from touching the handlebars. This raised doubts about how riders could maintain proper form, especially when in a low tuck position on the bars or hoods, without inadvertently violating the rule.
However, following feedback and discussions at the CTT’s National Council meeting in late January, a clarification has been added to alleviate these concerns. The new clarification allows incidental contact between the wrists or forearms and the handlebars when holding the brake hoods or drops. The revised rule now states that the primary points of contact should be the saddle and the handlebars, whether on the tops, drops, or brake hoods.
Dr. Bryce Dyer, a member of the CTT’s Rules Advisory Group’s equipment sub-committee, explained that the intention behind the rule was not to eliminate incidental contact but to prevent riders from using their forearms or wrists for additional support, especially with handlebars that feature an ultra-wide top curve. He also noted that while the original draft aimed to align closely with the regulations of UCI and British Cycling, there were concerns that the rule could be misinterpreted by competitors. If taken literally, it could lead to protests, with riders pointing out that many in the field were inadvertently violating the wrist and forearm restriction.
Despite the rule not being formally discussed at the National Council, the CTT took swift action to amend it after considering the potential issues.
Road bike time trials have gained significant popularity in the UK, but the sport has not been without controversy. Last year, a complaint at the National Road Bike Time Trial Championship over the position and machine of eventual winner George Fox highlighted the challenges of creating a fair environment that accommodates both novice and elite riders. This has prompted the CTT to tighten up certain regulations, including restrictions on forearm support, to ensure a more consistent competition.
Dr. Dyer expressed optimism for the upcoming season, emphasizing that the CTT wants to strike a careful balance in its rules to encourage growth in the sport while preventing overregulation that could discourage participation. “It’s crucial that we don’t make the rules so strict that it deters riders, but we also need to ensure the sport doesn’t get out of hand,” he said.
The RTTC National Road Bike Championship will take place on April 13 in North Yorkshire, on the challenging Circuit of Ingleborough course. At 27 miles with a 613-meter ascent, competitors will need to consider factors beyond aerodynamics, with the weight of the bike likely playing a crucial role in the race.
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