2020 Race Report #4: John Fraser Memorial 10 MI Time Trial

My fourth race of 2020 was the final race in the ABD Series and the first outdoor race of the season. Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this race has been postponed to a later date in the season. As an alternative, I raced the course virtually through an online cycling workout website called ROUVY.

I imported my race file from the end of last season, which contained all of the elevation data for the course. Then, the website translated that data into a side view course contour displayed at the bottom of an aerial map of the actual roads used near Maple Park, IL. My location on the course was also displayed as I raced.

My time was 0:28:48 (18.92 mph). When I last raced this course on September 22, the last race of the 2019 season, I finished in 0:25:21 (21.63 mph). There are two disadvantages to virtual 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.

Virtual race replay: John Fraser Memorial 10 MI Time Trial

My next race is the Rock Creek Multisport time trial (flat 20 kilometers) on Sunday, April 26, in Cherry Valley, IL. This race will probably be postponed or cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In that case, I will create and race a virtual version of this race as an alternative.