In the time trial, riders set off individually in a staggered start, and aim to complete a set course in the quickest time possible.
It is called the “Race of Truth” as it’s often seen as a true test of a cyclist’s ability.
The course for the men and the women is the same and will take place over 32.4km. Expect fast speeds from expert riders on highly specialised bikes and equipment.
In the women’s race expect to see strong showings from Ellen van Dijk, Grace Brown, and Elisa Longo Borghini. In the men’s, my ones to watch are Remco Evenepoel, Filippo Ganna, and Josh Tarling.
Key words to look out for include:
- Aero, short for aerodynamic
- Skis, the time trial handlebars that place a rider’s hands directly in front of them
- Negative split, which is a term for when the first half of the race is ridden at a slower speed (or power output depending on the course) and the second half is ridden quicker – this is seen as the platonic ideal of the race of truth.
The women’s individual time trial will begin at 13.30BST on Saturday 27 July.
The men’s individual time trial will begin at 15.32BST on Saturday 27 July.
Both of these events will be followed by their respective medal ceremonies.
