Hey junior cyclists—whether you’re shredding trails, cruising with friends, or dreaming of the Tour de France, 2025 is your year to try cycling time trials (TTs)! These solo races against the clock are a blast, and they’re perfect for young riders like you looking to level up. Not sure? Here’s why TTs should be on your radar this season—get ready to pedal your way to some serious fun and growth!
1. It’s All About You and Your Bike
TTs are super simple: just you racing the clock—no big groups or crazy pack moves to worry about. You set your own speed, ride your own way, and see what you’ve got. Events like MATTS kick off with the ABD John Fraser TT on April 13, 2025, in Maple Park, IL—a flat, fast 10-mile course where you’re the star. No pressure to keep up, just pure fun pushing your limits!
2. Use Your Everyday Ride
No need for a fancy bike! MATTS has a Road Bike category, so your regular bike—drop or straight handlebars, no tri-bars, wheels with 12+ spokes (up to 90mm rims)—is good to go. Whether it’s your trusty mountain bike swapped for road tires or a hand-me-down roadie, you’re ready to race. It’s all about getting started, not gear.
3. Score Cool Prizes Just for Juniors
MATTS loves junior racers—you even get your own prize category! Fastest juniors win cash: $15 for 1st, $10 for 2nd, $5 for 3rd. Plus, top 5 in every group snag medals, and you can rack up points all season for big awards. Imagine rocking a Stars and Stripes jersey from the ABR National 10M TT Championship on August 17, 2025—that’s some serious bragging rights!
4. Get Stronger and Faster
Racing TTs makes you a better cyclist. A 10-mile spin or a quick 4K Velodrome TT builds your legs and lungs without wearing you out. It’s like training with a purpose—push hard on the flat Kane County 10M TT Series courses, and you’ll feel the power grow. Next time you’re riding with pals or hitting a hill, you’ll crush it!
5. Build Confidence for Any Ride
Never raced? No biggie—TTs are the chillest way to start. You ride solo, so there’s no “getting dropped” or crashing in a pack. Finish your first TT—like the April 13 opener—and you’ll feel unstoppable. That boost carries over to school, sports, or any challenge you tackle. You’ve got this!
6. Try Awesome New Courses
TTs take you to cool spots you might not ride otherwise. MATTS mixes it up with the L’Alpe Bl’Huez Hill Climb (a tough uphill challenge), the Gravel TT (dusty fun), and the Velodrome 4K (super speedy). Start with the ABD Kane County 10M TT Series and explore a three different 10M, non-technical, flat, fast courses—adventure awaits every pedal stroke!
7. Hang Out with Other Young Cyclists
Racing TTs isn’t just about the ride—it’s about the crew. MATTS brings together juniors, families, and pros for a fun vibe. After racing, chill at the Winner’s Circle Bar and Grill with a soda and sandwich, swap stories, and make friends.
8. Learn Skills for Life
TTs teach more than cycling—they’re about focus, planning, and pushing through. Riding a course open to traffic (stay right, use a red blinker!) sharpens your road smarts. Setting a goal—like beating your time on a Strava segment—shows you how to aim high and get there, on or off the bike.
9. Start Your Season Strong
Spring TTs are your launchpad. The April 13 MATTS ABD John Fraser TT opener lets you test your winter riding and set goals for summer—maybe even the August 17 National Championship! It’s a low-key way to see where you’re at, tweak your speed, and roll into the year feeling awesome. Parents love it too—easy sign-up on BikeReg with an ABR membership (Juniors annual membership is just $10 or $5 for a single race).
10. Have a Blast Racing Your Way
TTs are pure fun—no complicated rules, just pedal and go! Whether you’re chasing a prize, beating your last time, or just enjoying the ride, every TT is a win. The MATTS crew keeps it laid-back, race, and celebrate. It’s your chance to feel like a pro without the stress.
Jump into TTs in 2025
Junior cyclists, TTs are made for you—easy to start, exciting to race, and packed with rewards. From building strength to making friends, they’re your ticket to a bigger, bolder cycling year. Talk to your family, check out MATTS on BikeReg, and grab your spot for April 13. Your first time trial could kick off an epic 2025—get ready to roll!
Pedal on, champs!