5 tips for a successful return to TTS

Aero specialist and coach George Fox (gfoxcycling.co.uk) provides a back-to-racing pep talk...

Getting ready: Preparation is key, we all know that. But there is preparation and then there is preparation. Making sure you’re physically ready is important, but if you get to the race without your Garmin, what was the point?! Make a checklist.

Don’t forget:

In my TT experience, the easiest things to forget on race day are the Garmin and the rear light – usually on charge in the living room, hence so easily forgotten. Top of the checklist: anything that needs charging.

Warm-up: We’ve spent lockdown training hard with minimal warmups. It’s time to get serious again. Getting the body primed and ready for peak performance takes some warming up. Follow the British Cycling TT warm-up if you don’t have your own routine.

Back to aero: Many riders have neglected their TT bikes during lockdown. Now that TTS are back, you should be on your TT bike 70 to 80 per cent of the time. Work on dropping your chin in a straight line to the floor, bringing your head out of the wind – while maintaining visibility up the road too. It’s my philosophy that an aero position must be sustainable, fast, but safe.

Steady your nerves: Everybody channels pre-race energy differently. If you suffer from nerves, do a practice TT, ideally an exact replica of your race day, but on a nice quiet course with no pressure. This provides an opportunity to sort out preparation and practise pacing, nerves and holding the position.