Appeal to Competitors in Club Time Trials

A few points that can help us to help you:

• It helps to call out your number as you cross the finishing line (but shouting doesn't make it any clearer!). Remember rder's numbers sometimes get obscured or partially unpinned, so they can't always be read.
• Please don't stand upstream of the timekeepers at the finish, within the line of sight. We know riders like to know their times after a ride, but remember that others are still out there and we wouldn't want to miss anyone.
• Please try to avoid crossing the finishing line when warming up. Sometimes this is unavoidable, in which case signal to the timekeepers when you're not competing. Viewing riders head-on it's difficult to tell the difference!
• Please wear your number low down, ideally below waist level. If you wear it too high (like a footballer) it can't be seen when you're bent down sprinting at the finish.
• At all times please keep as near to your left hand side as possible. Many riders drift to the centre so that vehicles can't overtake - after all, they're only trying to give you plenty of room as they pass. We do get motorist's stop and complain that they've been held up. Remember, the average 'Top Gear' motorist hates cyclists and can't distinguish between a safety issue and just being delayed by a few seconds.
• Don't have arguments with other road users, even if you feel they're in the wrong. It can reflect on the club, leading to possible complaints to the police. Remember we require police approval to run time trials on public roads.
• If you travel to the event by car please consider local residents when parking. Again, complaints could lead to us losing courses. Also please don't plonk your car at the finish where the timekeeper needs to be! We have to synchronise watches at the start then there's usually a dash to the finish, and that's where riders expect to find us.
• This is especially directed to new riders - if you're overtaken by another competitor the onus is on you to drop back at least 10 yards if you are both riders of similar ability. "Drafting" is not allowed under CTT rules and can lead to a DQ.
• As a rule the timekeepers will not leave the finish until all riders have been accounted for. Obviously riders' priorities change when they drop out, but it would help to send a message back so we know you're OK.
• Insurance: £1 of your entry fee in club time trials goes towards the CTT's 3rd party insurance scheme. However, this is a contingency insurance (ie a reserve) which only applies when there is no other cover (ie personal or home insurance). You may want to review your own insurance cover.

Most riders are already aware of the above, your co-operation is appreciated.