Cycling trials are often overwhelming for first-time contestants. Most likely, you trained with a professional trials rider, practiced with friends and became accustomed to casual interaction. Unloading your bike in the staging area of an event, you might find the competitive environment intimidating. Knowing what to expect allows you to compete with confidence.
Running Order and Numbers
At some point before the time trials start, all contestants are listed in a running order and given a number. Depending on the sanctioning organization, you might draw lots or be assigned your running order according to the time you signed in and how many signed in ahead of you. Once assigned your place in the running order, you will be given a number that allows officials to identify you and record your times and performance. In paved road trials, you might wear armbands or a thin plaque that straps to your back. Typically, numbers for obstacle courses are stenciled on a vinyl sheet that you attach to your handlebars in front of the steering headset with nylon ties.
Evaluating the Course
Trials are held on paved road courses, closed obstacle courses and on sections of mountain terrain. Regardless of the type of course, it's important to know where it starts and finishes. Typically, start/finish lines on road and closed obstacle courses are more apparent because the course is fully accessible. Also, you often have a clear view of the entire course, which allows you to formulate a game plan in terms of negotiating the particular sections. Mountain courses are defined by markers, such as ribbons tied on the limbs of trees or bushes, or cones along the course. If the event is held on a mountain course, get there early and walk the course from start to finish as you evaluate each section and obstacle.
Officials
Trials officials observe each run to make sure contestants don't waver off the course or touch the ground with one or both feet at any time. Officials on road courses typically take positions at specified intervals. On a closed obstacle course, you might find an official at each side of the obstacle configuration. On mountain courses, expect an official at each of the critical points, such as elevated rocks, tight turns around trees and near gullies. No matter where officials might take their positions, it's your job to apply your training and expertise from start to finish.
Trials Results
In most instances, your time on a road course or closed obstacle course is announced once you complete a run. On obstacle courses where you make several runs, ask a friend or family member to list the times of other contestants so you know your place in the standings. Watching other contestants who are placing well on obstacle courses helps you figure out the best way to negotiate certain obstacles without losing time. On mountain courses, you might not have an opportunity to watch other riders unless you're well down in the running order. In this instance, you might venture near the course and observe how the better riders negotiate tougher obstacles. During the event, if you happen to fault in some way, continue your run doing the best you can. Go over the tougher sections or obstacles in your mind and figure out how to avoid faults during your next run. You are competing because you're dedicated to learning the sport. Apply what you learned in training and endeavor to develop your technique as a trials rider.
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