Top On-Line Resources for Time Trialists

Dane April 25, 2025
0 Comments
A cyclist rounds the bend at the John Fraser Time Trial cycling event in Maple Park, IL

Included below are my favorite on-line resources for time trialists. I’m sure that I missed some. Add your favorites and additional feedback in the comments section below.

Strava (Performance Tracking & Community)

Strava stands alone due to its near-universal adoption and integration with training, virtual cycling, and pacing tools, making it a central hub for time trialists to track and compare performances, both indoors and outdoors.

Strava

  • Website: www.strava.com
  • Description: A leading app for tracking indoor and outdoor rides, analyzing power and heart rate data, and competing on segment leaderboards. Time trialists use Strava to benchmark TT efforts, compare times on local courses, and join clubs for motivation. The Wisconsin/Illinois Cycling Association uses Strava Routes and Segments to illustrate all MATTS courses, helping riders visualize and prepare for events. Strava integrates with Zwift for ride uploads, TrainerRoad and TrainingPeaks for workout tracking, and Best Bike Split for pacing plans, creating a seamless ecosystem.
  • Why It’s Popular: Its segment leaderboards foster competition, while analytics help track TT progress. The global community and outdoor tracking capabilities motivate all levels, with MATTS leveraging Strava for course transparency.
  • Best For: Performance tracking, segment comparisons, course visualization, and community engagement.
  • Social Media:

    Indoor Riding/Training Apps

    These platforms focus on indoor cycling, structured training, and performance analysis, ideal for time trialists building power, practicing pacing, and planning workouts.

    Zwift

    • Website: www.zwift.com
    • Description: A virtual cycling platform combining indoor training with immersive racing. Zwift offers TT-specific events, like virtual time trials on Watopia’s Tempus Fugit, and structured workouts to improve FTP, pacing, and cadence for TTs. It integrates with Strava, TrainerRoad, TrainingPeaks, and smart trainers.
    • Why It’s Popular: Its gamified environment and TT events provide a competitive way to train indoors, especially for race simulation or winter prep.
    • Best For: Virtual TT racing, structured workouts, and indoor training.
    • Social Media:

      TrainerRoad

      • Website: www.trainerroad.com
      • Description: A training platform with structured plans for time trialists, focusing on FTP improvement, pacing, and power output. It offers data-driven indoor workouts, integrates with Zwift for virtual rides, and syncs with Strava and TrainingPeaks for tracking.
      • Why It’s Popular: Its science-based workouts and TT-specific plans (e.g., threshold intervals) maximize indoor performance.
      • Best For: Structured training plans, FTP development, and indoor cycling workouts.
      • Social Media:

        TrainingPeaks

        • Website: www.trainingpeaks.com
        • Description: A comprehensive training and coaching platform for planning, tracking, and analyzing workouts. Time trialists use TrainingPeaks to create structured TT training plans, monitor metrics like Training Stress Score (TSS) and FTP, and optimize race preparation. It integrates with Strava for ride uploads, Zwift for virtual workouts, and Best Bike Split for pacing plans, offering tools like the Performance Management Chart.
        • Why It’s Popular: Its robust analytics and coaching features make it a favorite for serious time trialists and those with coaches.
        • Best For: Structured training plans, performance analysis, and coaching integration.
        • Social Media:

          Podcasts

          These audio resources provide expert insights on time trialling, covering training, aerodynamics, and race strategies through interviews and discussions.

          Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast (TrainerRoad)

          • Website: www.trainerroad.com/podcast or available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify
          • Description: Produced by TrainerRoad, this podcast features coaches like Jonathan Lee discussing TT topics, including warm-up protocols, pacing strategies, and mental focus. It addresses listener questions with science-backed advice.
          • Why It’s Popular: Its actionable training tips make it highly relevant for time trialists refining race prep.
          • Best For: Training strategies, pacing advice, and race preparation.
          • Social Media: Follow via TrainerRoad’s accounts (as the podcast is hosted by TrainerRoad):

          Cycling Time Trial Podcast

          • Website: cyclingtimetrialpodcast.libsyn.com or available on Apple Podcasts and Podbean
          • Description: Hosted by Mark Florence, this podcast focuses on time trialling with guests like Xavier Disley (AeroCoach) and Dan Bigham (Wattshop). Topics include aerodynamics, Zone 2 training, and gear innovations. Contact: cyclingtimetrialpodcast@gmail.com or @markflorence11 on X.
          • Why It’s Popular: Its TT-specific content and expert interviews provide deep insights into the “race of truth.”
          • Best For: Aerodynamic insights, gear innovations, and expert interviews.
          • Social Media:
            • X: @markflorence11 (x.com/markflorence11)
            • Instagram: Not active for the podcast specifically; follow Mark Florence’s personal account if available.
            • Facebook: Not active; primary engagement is via X or email.

              Nerd Out (Data & Analytics)

              These resources cater to data-driven time trialists optimizing performance through precise analytics, from pacing and tire selection to pro-level benchmarking.

              Best Bike Split

              • Website: www.bestbikesplit.com
              • Description: A platform generating course-specific pacing and power plans for TTs using rider metrics (FTP, weight), bike setup (CdA, tire rolling resistance), and course data (elevation, weather). It integrates with Strava, Zwift, and TrainingPeaks, offering free tools like the Aero Analyzer.
              • Why It’s Popular: Its precision in optimizing power distribution is critical for TT performance.
              • Best For: Race pacing, power planning, and aero optimization.
              • Social Media:

              Bicycle Rolling Resistance

              • Website: www.bicyclerollingresistance.com
              • Description: Provides lab-based testing of TT tires, measuring rolling resistance, puncture resistance, and wet grip. Reviews compare tires like Continental Grand Prix 5000 TT TR and Vittoria Corsa Speed G2.0 TLR, with data on watts saved.
              • Why It’s Popular: Its rigorous data helps time trialists choose tires that minimize energy loss, potentially saving significant time in a TT.
              • Best For: Tire selection, rolling resistance data, and wheel setup.
              • Social Media:

                ProCyclingStats

                • Website: www.procyclingstats.com
                • Description: Tracks top time trialists (e.g., Filippo Ganna) and race results, like the fastest TTs of 2025 (e.g., UAE Tour Stage 2). It allows benchmarking TT performances against pros.
                • Why It’s Popular: Its detailed metrics appeal to data-driven riders comparing times with elite standards.
                • Best For: Performance benchmarking and race result analysis.
                • Social Media:

                  General News, Tips & Events

                  These resources offer accessible guides, event listings, community support, and insights, covering beginner tips, regional races, professional advice, and triathlon-adjacent content relevant to time trialists.

                  Wisconsin/Illinois Cycling Association (WI/IL Cycling Association)

                  • Website: www.wiilcycle.org
                  • Description: Focused on grassroots cycling events that are inexpensive and local, this organization promotes competitive cycling in Wisconsin and Illinois. It organizes the Mid America Time Trial Series (MATTS) and Tour of Illinois/Wisconsin (ToIL/WI), providing a schedule of all MATTS and ToIL/WI events, with categories for cyclists of all ages in 5-year age groups up to 90+. Registration for all MATTS events is done through BikeReg. Offers free membership, community resources, and standings for MATTS, ToIL/WI, and Rider of the Year (ROTY) competitions, sanctioned by American Bicycle Racing (ABR). MATTS uses Strava Routes and Segments to illustrate all courses.
                  • Why It’s Popular: Its emphasis on accessible, inclusive, and local TT events, comprehensive schedules, competitive standings, and Strava course visuals make it a hub for Midwest time trialists.
                  • Best For: Grassroots TT events, event schedules, competitive standings, and community engagement.
                  • Social Media:

                  Cycling Time Trials (CTT)

                  • Website: www.cyclingtimetrials.org.uk
                  • Description: The UK’s governing body for time trials, providing event listings, regulations, and rankings. The Event Finder app accesses over 3,000 events, with tools like Spindata for performance analysis.
                  • Why It’s Popular: The definitive platform for UK time trialists, with comprehensive event details.
                  • Best For: Event discovery, official rankings, and regulatory guidance.
                  • Social Media:

                      Cycling Weekly

                      • Website: www.cyclingweekly.com
                      • Description: Features articles on TT basics, equipment reviews, and tips from experts like Xavier Disley. Beginner guides highlight cost-effective strategies.
                      • Why It’s Popular: Balances accessibility for newcomers with practical advice for competitive riders.
                      • Best For: Beginner tips, equipment advice, and race preparation.
                      • Social Media:

                        Cyclist

                        • Website: www.cyclist.co.uk
                        • Description: Offers a “Cycling Time-Trials: The Complete How-To Guide,” covering event entry, aero strategies, and the sport’s DIY ethos.
                        • Why It’s Popular: Combines historical context with actionable advice for new time trialists.
                        • Best For: Comprehensive guides and inspiration for beginners.
                        • Social Media:

                          BikeRadar

                          • Website: www.bikeradar.com
                          • Description: Provides guides on TTs, with training sessions from Professor Greg Whyte and nutrition tips from Tim Lawson. Covers aero positioning and gear.
                          • Why It’s Popular: Offers science-based content for improving TT performance.
                          • Best For: Training sessions, nutrition advice, and gear reviews.
                          • Social Media:

                            EF Pro Cycling

                            • Website: efprocycling.com
                            • Description: Shares pro-level TT insights, including a guide on using Best Bike Split for pacing and aero optimization.
                            • Why It’s Popular: Appeals to serious time trialists seeking elite-level tactics.
                            • Best For: Pro-level strategies and pacing software guidance.
                            • Social Media:

                              Slowtwitch

                              • Website: www.slowtwitch.com
                              • Description: Primarily for triathletes, Slowtwitch offers valuable TT content through its website and active forum. Articles cover aerodynamics, bike fit, TT bike reviews, and training, while the forum discusses gear (e.g., aero helmets, wheelsets), pacing, and race prep.
                              • Why It’s Popular: Its technical content and community-driven forum provide practical, TT-applicable insights, especially on equipment and aero performance.
                              • Best For: Aerodynamics, TT bike setup, and community-driven gear discussions.
                              • Social Media:

                              GCN (Global Cycling Network)

                              • Website: www.globalcyclingnetwork.com or YouTube (youtube.com/@gcn)
                              • Description: A leading cycling media platform offering video content on time trialling, including beginner guides, TT bike setups, aero tips, and training advice. Videos like “How to Ride a Time Trial” and “Top TT Mistakes to Avoid” feature experts and pro riders, covering pacing, positioning, and gear.
                              • Why It’s Popular: Its high-quality, beginner-friendly videos and broad coverage appeal to time trialists seeking practical tips and inspiration.
                              • Best For: Beginner TT guides, aero tips, and engaging video content.
                              • Social Media:

                                  BikeReg

                                  • Website: www.bikereg.com
                                  • Description: A premier online registration platform for cycling events, including time trials across the United States. BikeReg is the official registration platform for all Mid America Time Trial Series (MATTS) events organized by the Wisconsin/Illinois Cycling Association. It provides a user-friendly interface to find, register, and manage race entries, with details on course descriptions, categories, and fees.
                                  • Why It’s Popular: Its streamlined registration process and widespread use for TT and other cycling events make it essential for time trialists, especially those competing in MATTS or other regional races.
                                  • Best For: Event registration, race discovery, and MATTS participation.
                                  • Social Media:

                                    Sanctioning Organizations

                                    These organizations oversee and regulate cycling events, including time trials, providing rules, licensing, and event sanctioning to ensure fair and safe competition.

                                    American Bicycle Racing (ABR)

                                    • Website: www.ambikerace.com
                                    • Description: A sanctioning body for cycling events in the United States, particularly in the Midwest, ABR oversees a range of races, including time trials like those in the Mid America Time Trial Series (MATTS) organized by the Wisconsin/Illinois Cycling Association. ABR provides event sanctioning, rider licensing, insurance, and regulatory support, ensuring safe and standardized competitions. It also offers resources for race organizers and participants, including membership details and event calendars.
                                    • Why It’s Popular: Its role in sanctioning MATTS and other regional TTs makes it essential for Midwest time trialists, providing a framework for fair competition and community engagement.
                                    • Best For: Event sanctioning, rider licensing, and regulatory support for U.S. time trials.
                                    • Social Media:
                                      • X: Not active; primary engagement is via website or email (abr@ambikerace.com).
                                      • Instagram: Not active; check website for updates.
                                      • Facebook: @AmericanBicycleRacing (facebook.com/AmericanBicycleRacing)

                                      USA Cycling Federation

                                      • Website: www.usacycling.org
                                      • Description: The national governing body for competitive cycling in the United States, USA Cycling sanctions thousands of events, including time trials, road races, and national championships. It provides rider licensing, race regulations, and rankings, as well as resources for event organizers and athletes, such as training camps and development programs. USA Cycling oversees elite TT events and supports grassroots races, ensuring standardized rules and safety.
                                      • Why It’s Popular: Its authority over U.S. cycling, including TTs, makes it a critical resource for time trialists seeking sanctioned events, national rankings, or competitive pathways to elite levels.
                                      • Best For: National TT event sanctioning, rider licensing, and competitive rankings.
                                      • Social Media:

                                        I’m sure that I’ve missed some of your favorites. Please add them in the comments below!

                                        Leave a Reply

                                        Categories: General Racing, MATTS, Time Trial Racing

                                        Related Articles

                                        Responses