Starting Cycle Road Racing and Time Trials

Cycling is an exciting and increasingly popular leisure pursuit and there are many recreational cyclists who would like to take their hobby on to the next stage and enter the competitive world of cycle sport. Unfortunately, many of those who wish to develop their hobby do not know how to go about it and what is involved. Addressing this problem, this clear step-by-step guide covers the way the sport is organized, the types of races that are available, and what equipment is required. All the bike components are discussed as well as how a bicycle is set up and adjusted to match an individual's physical requirements and maximize power, speed, safety, and comfort. Attention is paid to basic skills, the science behind cycling training, nutrition, and hydration, selecting an appropriate event, planning the training for the race and what to do, and what not to do, on the big day.  The approach is realistic yet challenging, and is based on the assumption that many readers will be balancing their sport with a full-time job and family commitments.