2020 Race Report #10: Garden Prairie 20 KM Time Trial

My 10th race of 2020 was the seventh outdoor race postponed to a later date in the season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As an alternative, I raced the course virtually through an online cycling workout website called ROUVY, similar to my last six races.

My time was 0:28:48 (23.45 mph) for 11.26 miles, almost two minutes faster than my last live race on this course on June 9, 2019, when I finished in 0:30:41 (22.01 mph). This was my fastest average speed of the last seven virtual races.

As I’ve previously noted, there are two disadvantages to virtual time trial racing. First, there is no benefit for using aero gear, such as a TT bike, speedsuit, aero helmet, etc. Second, the power trainer reduces the resistance on a downhill section, but there is no coasting. You have to continue pedaling or you will stop. There is one plus: no wind.

Virtual race replay: Garden Prairie 20 KM Time Trial

My next race is the live Strava Segment Challenge, a flat 10 mile course, on Saturday, June 26. This race is a replacement for the postponed ABD John Frasier Memorial Time Trial from April 5th.