2020 Race Report #7: WBR Harvard 20 KM Time Trial

My seventh race of 2020 was the fourth 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 three races.

My time was 0:30:37 (23.0 mph) for 11.75 miles, only 11 seconds slower than my last race on this course on August 3, 2019. As an extra incentive, I added a single virtual racer to my effort. He finished in 0:37:46 (18.7 mph), over two miles behind me.

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: WBR Harvard 20 KM Time Trial

My next race is the Stray Kats Kankakee Time Trial (flat 20 kilometers) on Sunday, May 17. This race is currently on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A virtual version of this race course has already been created, which I will race next weekend.