What is time trial? How to use in English

Definition & pronunciation of time trial

time trialnoun

thử thách thời gian

/ˈtaɪm traɪəl//ˈtaɪm traɪəl/

Where does the word time trial come from?

The term "time trial" originated in the world of cycling in the late 19th century. In a time trial, a cyclist rides alone over a set distance against the clock, trying to complete the course as quickly as possible. The name "time trial" reflects the fact that the cyclist's performance is judged solely by the amount of time it takes to complete the course. The first recorded time trial was held in 1872, when Frenchman Eugene Christophe attempted to ride from Paris to Rouen and back in the fastest possible time. However, it wasn't until the late 1800s that time trials became a regular part of cycling competition. In 1886, the Roughstones Cycling Club in Leeds, England, held what is widely considered to be the first documented cycling time trial, a 25-mile (40 km) race around the nearby countryside. Time trials rapidly gained popularity in the cycling community, and by the turn of the century they were a regular feature of races, often used as a way to determine the start order for mass-start events. Today, time trials are recognized as a distinct cycling discipline, with separate championships and world records at various distances. Participants use specialized gear, such as aerodynamic helmets, skin-suits, and streamlined bikes, to maximize speed and minimize drag. The ability to perform well in a time trial is considered a key skill for all-round cyclists, as time trials often feature in major races such as the Tour de France.

Example of vocabulary time trialnamespace

  • The professional cyclist set a new record in the time trial, finishing the 40-kilometer route in just over an hour.
  • The Olympic runner competed in the time trial as part of her training for the ,000-meter track event.
  • The rower's strongest event is the 2,000-meter time trial, and she hopes to win a medal in that race at the upcoming international competition.
  • The swimmer broke the national record in the open water time trial, completing the 15-kilometer course in under an hour and a half.
  • The triathlete excelled in the cycling segment of the time trial, allowing her to make up for her slower swimming and running times.

Synonyms and related words for time trial


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