FAQ

What is a Time Trial in Cycling?

Time trial (TT) cycling is a race against the clock where cyclists start individually or in small groups, aiming for the fastest time over a set distance – typically 10-50 miles. Unlike mass-start races, it’s you vs. the course. As an example, WI-IL Cycling Association’s beginner-friendly 10-mile TTs in Wisconsin and Illinois are perfect for testing your solo speed.

How do I prepare for my first time trial?

Train with steady efforts (e.g., 20-30 minutes at 80% max heart rate) to build endurance, and practice pacing – don’t sprint out the gate. Get an aero helmet and a tuned bike; every second counts. For example, WI-IL Cycling Association’s flat Illinois TTs reward consistent power – register for our time trial events to start strong.

Do I need to be super fit to do a time trial?

Not at all! TTs are about personal bests, not beating others. Basic fitness (e.g., 1-2 hour rides weekly) gets you started. WI-IL Cycling Association’s beginner TTs in 2025 are low-pressure – ride your pace and enjoy the challenge.

Is drafting legal?

No. Drafting is not legal in individual time trial cycling events. Riders drafting in individual events will be disqualified. Drafting team mates is legal in Team and 2 Person Time Trial events.

How many events are on the WI-IL Cycling Association’s TT schedule?

Depends on the year, we have between 16 and 20 (Covid we only had 8).  Riders can choose from individual 4K, 10 k, 20k, 30K, 40k, and 50k (team) events.

Can I race twice?

Yes.  The best way to do this is to preregister for both events. If doing on site sign up, please first check with the promoter to see if it is possible. Get there early enough before the event starts as we send out the dual racers first for their first race.

Some promoters do not allow a second MATTS race, due to the time and logistics of the event.

Riders can race twice in different categories and on different bikes. A rider can race first in their age group on a TT or road bike and the second race could be in the ability category or on a road or TT bike.

I registered for 2 races, can I switch my 1st and 2nd race class?

Yes. There are 3 different ways it can be done.

1.  Before race day. Online start list has a contact email and/or phone number to request changes.

2. Day of race at registration, when you pick up your race numbers.

3. At the start line to the ABR Official before you start of your first race.

Can I race up/down in age class or ability category?

No.  Riders are to race in their specific age group or ability category. The one exception is for the 2-Person or Team Time Trials (see below).

What are the Age Groups?

Most of our age groups are in 5 year increments (0-4, 5-9) but those below the age of 50 are combined into larger groups (10 to 15 year buckets).

Juniors 14 and under
Juniors 15-18
19-29
30-39
40-49
50-54, 55-59
etc…

Also we have both Women and Open age group categories.

What are the Ability Categories?

This is the classic Cat 1 – 5 groupings, but we do not follow the UCI/USAC categories (even though they are named the same). For time trials, our categories are based on your previous best average speed for a 20k flat TT.

Cat 1. 30 mph plus average speed.
Cat 2. 27 ~ 29 mph average speed.
Cat 3. 23 ~ 26 mph average speed.
Cat 4. 19 ~ 22 mph average speed.
Cat 5. 15 ~ 18 mph average speed.

We also have the same Open and Women ability categories

How many points are earned for each race?

That depends on your results but we go 20 places deep for each category (new for 2025):

Points: 25 for 1st, 22 for 2nd, 20 for 3rd, 19 for 4th, 18 for 5th, 17 for 6th, 16 for 7th, 15 for 8th, 14 for 9th, 13 for 10th,12 for 11th, 11 for 12th, 10 for 13th, 9 for 14th, 8 for 15th, 7 for 16th, 6 for 17th, 5 for 18th, 4 for 19th, 3 for 20th.

How many races do I need to qualify for the season series?

For calculating the season series standings, we take a racers up to 10 best finishes. Racers with 8 results will be included in the standings and will qualify for awards. Racers with 9 or 10 results will also qualify for a payout. Last, racers with less number of results cannot place higher than racers with more results even if they have a higher point total.

In the Covid shortened season of 2020, we took the 5 best finishes as we only had 8 races that year.

If I start a MATTS event and I do not finish, does this race count towards overall awards?

Yes.  This race will count towards overall awards.  You will be scored (0) zero points for the event. If you have results in more than half the number of races held, the lowest results are dropped.  So if you raced 10 times in a season of only 18 races, the lowest point race will be dropped.

How many points will I earn for participating the 2-Person or team time trial?

Points for the team events are distributed the same as individual age and ability categories.

How are riders of different abilities or ages categorized?

Riders with different abilities must race in the class of the highest category.  For example, a Cat 4 rider racing with a Cat 1/2 rider would race the Cat 1/2 category for this event.

Riders must enter the age class of the youngest rider on the team.

What kind of Bike can I use?

In the TT categories, we allow any kind of TT or Triathlon bike, we do NOT follow the UCI/USAC rules on TT bikes.

Can I use a E-Bike in Time Trial Cycling?

No. E-Bikes are not permitted in Time Trial Cycling.

Can I use a Recumbent Bike in Time Trial Cycling?

Yes, we have a special category for Recumbent bikes. See the event preregistration page for that category. You may want to double check the course as we have some courses that are out and back and you will need to make a U-Turn in the middle of the road. Other courses are loops and do not need to perform a U-Turn.

Can I use a fixed or single speed bike?

Yes, we have a category for that too! See the event preregistration page for that category.

Can I use a Para Cycle?

Yes, we have categories for those as well, they are:

Upright (aka can ride a normal bike)
Tricycle
Tandem (blind)
Handcycles

See the event preregistration page for the categories.

What are the limitations on a Road Bike in Time Trial Cycling?

We current follow similar rules to what the UK Cycling Time Trials (CTT) has for their Road Bike category. We allow any mass start legal road bike with the following exceptions:

No aero bars
No aero disc wheel or cover
Deep profile wheels need to be less than 100mm.
No TT specific helmet (Aero road bike helmets are OK)

If a bike has one of these exceptions, it will be categorized as a TT bike and the rider will still be allowed to race.

1. Racing twice? Register early so we have two time slots available for your races.

2. Blinking bright red light on rear of bicycle warns traffic you are sharing the road.

3. Be at event minimum 1 hour before your start time.

4. Driving the course or riding before you race is great data knowledge.

5. Do not bicycle ride course after first rider starts.

6. Pick up your race number when you arrive at registration.

7. Registering day of race? Bring cash, there us no debit/credit card reader. May have QR code.

8. Check your race class is correct at registration.

9. Pin number on correctly, Officials need to see it clearly.

10. Number placement is low back with middle at waistline and slightly to right.

11. Use Toilets, be they out house, portable, or fancy indoor.

12. Wearing Clothes in public is mandatory for all participants.

13. Be at Start line ON TIME – 10 min before your start time.

14. Riders start in numerical order.

15. If you are late to start your time is running.

16. Need a new start time ask Registration.

17. Ride on the right side of road, not in the middle, not on left side, not in the ditch.

18. When you finish, do not screech to a halt, the rider behind you needs time to slow down.

19. Finish times and results are posted online, see link on race flyer or online registration Notes.

20. Medals, awards, prizes for this and past events are ready for you at registration.

21. Have the Time of Your Life.

How is road racing different from a time trial?

Road races are group efforts with strategy—positioning, breakaways—while TTs are solo, clock-driven. WI IL Cycle offers both: test teamwork in our road races or raw speed in our time trials.

What skills do I need for road racing?

Master drafting (riding close to save energy), cornering, and pacing. Group ride experience helps. WI IL Cycling Association’s Illinois sprints need tight pack skills, while Wisconsin’s hills test climbing.

How do I train for a road race?

Mix long rides (3-5 hours) for endurance, hill repeats for power, and sprint intervals for speed. Ride with others to learn pack dynamics. WIIL Cycle’s Omniums demand 10-15 hours weekly training – start 8-12 weeks out.

Is road racing safe for beginners?

Yes, with caution. Stay alert, signal moves, and practice group riding first. The Wisconsin-Illinois Cycling Association’s beginner-friendly 20-mile Illinois races ease you in—safe, fun, and competitive.

What gear do I need for road racing?

A road bike, helmet, padded shorts, and water bottles are essentials. Aero gear helps but isn’t required. WI IL Cycle’s courses suit any setup—bring what you’ve got and race.

How do I avoid crashing in a road race?

Ride predictably, keep hands near brakes, and avoid sudden swerves. Position near the front third to dodge trouble. WI IL Cycle’s wide Illinois roads minimize risks—focus on fun.

Do you have one or more Road Racing FAQs that you want the team at Wisconsin-Illinois Cycling association to address, send us an email at info@wiilcycle.org.