timetrial

Timetrial, or time trial, is a race format in which competitors aim to complete a course in the shortest possible time while racing against the clock rather than directly against other riders or vehicles. The essential feature is that each participant starts separately, and the winner is the rider with the fastest elapsed time.

The format is used across various sports, most prominently in cycling as the individual time trial (ITT) and the team time trial (TTT). In an ITT, riders begin at fixed intervals and ride alone to the finish; drafting behind other riders is generally not allowed. In a TTT, teams start together and work cooperatively, sharing pacing duties to achieve the best time for the group. Time trials are also found in running, rowing, motorsport, and endurance events, where the objective remains the same: beat the clock.

Timing and measurement are central to timetrials. Official results are based on precise elapsed times, typically recorded with electronic timing systems. Courses are accurately measured in distance, and conditions such as wind, altitude, and surface quality can influence times. In many sports, equipment restrictions help ensure fair comparisons, with rules governing bicycle design, aerodynamics, and safety.

Timetrials are used both as competitive events and as test formats in training. They provide objective performance benchmarks, assist in seeding or grid positioning for subsequent rounds, and highlight individual or team pacing and endurance capabilities. Notable concepts associated with timetrials include the Hour Record in cycling and various standardized race distances used for testing and comparison.