Matt Brammeier in action at the Worlds TT in Copenhagen last year is out to defend his national TT title tomorrow
Riders taking part in the time trial at the National Championships are being urged to sign on early and avail of bike checks to ensure their bikes comply with stringent UCI regulations.
At last year’s time trial championships in Monaghan a significant number of riders were effectively caught out when their bikes were checked just before their start time; apparently unaware that the set-up of their time trial position was at odds with the UCI’s regulations.
This led to tools being produced and positions adjusted literally on the start line, which caused considerable panic for the riders and seriously disrupted their pre race mental preparation.
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In a smaller number of cases riders did not ride the race because they realised too close to their start times that their TT positions were illegal and did not have time to adjust them. Because the nationals attract UCI points, the UCI rules around TT positions must be strictly enforced by the commissaires on the day.
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In an effort to prevent a repeat of some of the difficulties seen last year, bike checks will be available early at the TT start tomorrow, Thursday.
Commissaire Gary McIlroy tells us that an official UCI ‘measuring jig’ will be on hand and that it will be available to check bikes from the opening of sign on at 3pm, leaving plenty of time for adjustments if positions are found to be non-compliant.
“Any competitors unsure as to whether their bike will satisfy the criteria should arrive early to allow themselves enough time to make adjustments prior to their start,” said McIlroy.
The TT sign on is situated at Morrisson’s BMW garage in Cahir, Co Tipperary. It is open from 3pm, with the first rider off at 5.30pm. While the road races are based around Clonmel, the route for the TT has been chosen around 10 miles away because of the availability of a flat course on the old N8, which will be closed for the event.
Riders wishing to learn more about the UCI rules on TT positions should click here for details
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