A time trial is simply a race against the clock over a fixed distance.  Riders race individually, starting at specified intervals (typically, one minute or more).  The rider with the fastest time for the distance wins.  It’s a test of a rider’s skills, a pure all-out individual challenge that tests the rider’s stamina and speed without any help from anyone else. In fact, cooperative techniques used by two or more riders in other types of cycling competitions are prohibited in individual time trials (for example, drafting is off limits).  Competitors ride alone and widely separated from one another. It’s often referred to as the “the race of truth” or “race against the watch.”  

Time trials are an ideal introduction to competitive cycling because it’s just you, your bike, and the stopwatch.  Because of that, it’s the simplest form of competitive racing.  Regardless of your age or fitness level, you can race in a time trial.  Unlike in a road race where if you fall off the pack your race is over, you’re never out of it in a time trial—you can achieve your personal best regardless of how many riders pass you.

Races can be organized over any distance, but they are commonly run at 10, 25, 50, and 100-mile distances.  There are different types of time trials.  The main ones are the individual and team time trials.  Races can also be part of a multi-day race like the Tour de France or a stand-alone, single-day event like the Bill Bone Florida State Time Trial Champion.  At USA Cycling sanctioned races, riders are ranked by category, age, gender, or type of bike being used (aero or non-aero).

Once you’ve registered for a race, you’ll receive a start time.  It’s important to carefully review all the details for the event because there may be rules in place that are specific to the event of which you wouldn’t be aware as a general matter, e.g., certain equipment prohibited.  On the day of the race, you’ll sign in, take your number, check your bike, and warm up.  It’s a good idea to review the course route; most major turns generally have arrows and ideally marshals, but it varies depending on the event.

If you’re passed by another rider, it’s polite (and technically required) to let them go—don’t attempt to latch on or to re-pass them.  When you pass someone, ensure that you give them plenty of room. Always obey the time trial motto “heads up, accidents down” for your safety as well as that of your fellow racers.