ITTCU — RECORD RULES AND STANDARDS
1. Mission and Purpose
The International Time Trial Cycling Union (ITTCU) is a not-for-profit organization established to sanction and maintain world records in the individual time trial (TT) format across all categories of human-powered vehicles.
The ITTCU is founded on four core principles:
• Open to all — Standard road and TT bikes, recumbent bicycles, trikes (3-wheel), quads (4-wheel), velomobiles, streamliners, handcycles, tandems, and other human-powered vehicles are all welcome to compete in their respective categories.
• True time trial format — All records must be set in strict no-drafting, individual start conditions. There is no mass start or staggered-start format that allows competitors to share a course simultaneously.
• Fair course standards — All courses must be out-and-back or loop configurations to neutralize the advantages of prevailing wind and net elevation change.
• Accessible and self-service — ITTCU replaces expensive officials and sanctioned events with something better: a combination of sensor technology, Strava's global platform, and community oversight. GPS head units, power meters, heart rate monitors, and cadence sensors create a multi-stream data record that is extremely difficult to falsify. Strava's segment matching independently verifies the course, the route, and the timing. And the public nature of Strava activities means the cycling community itself can flag anomalies. Together these layers provide a level of integrity that traditional officiating cannot match — at a fraction of the cost, with no scheduling constraints, and open to any rider anywhere in the world.
2. Definitions
Time Trial (TT): A solo cycling effort against the clock in which the rider starts alone and no drafting benefit from other cyclists or vehicles is permitted.
Record Attempt: A formally registered effort by a rider to establish or improve an ITTCU record in a specific category.
Out-and-Back Course: A course that begins and ends at or near the same geographical point, with the rider traveling to a turnaround point and returning.
Loop Course: A course that follows a closed loop, returning to the start point by a different route.
FIT File: A binary data file generated by cycling GPS head units (e.g., Garmin, Wahoo, Hammerhead, Polar) that contains time-stamped records of GPS location, speed, elevation, power, cadence, heart rate, and temperature data.
Human-Powered Vehicle (HPV): Any vehicle propelled solely by human muscular effort, including but not limited to upright bicycles, TT-format bicycles, recumbent bicycles, tricycles, velomobiles, streamliners, and handcycles.
3. Eligibility
3.1 Rider Eligibility
Any person of any nationality is eligible to register an ITTCU record attempt. There is no membership requirement to attempt a record, though an annual ITTCU membership is available and provides a discount on record attempt fees.
Riders under age 18 must provide written consent from a parent or legal guardian as part of the record registration. ITTCU recognizes record attempts for riders in all three youth age bands: Under 12, 12–14, and 15–17. A rider’s age group is determined by their age on the date the record is completed.
3.2 Age Categories
Records are maintained in the following age categories. A rider's age is determined by their age on the date the record is completed.
• Under 12 (Youth)
• 12–14 (Junior)
• 15–17 (Junior)
• 18–34 (Open)
• 35–39
• 40–44
• 45–49
• 50–54
• 55–59
• 60–64
• 65–69
• 70–74
• 75–79
• 80+
NOTE: Youth age bands (Under 12, 12–14, 15–17) may be subdivided further as participation warrants. The ITTCU Records Committee decision on age classification is final.
4. Vehicle Categories
Records are maintained separately for each of the following vehicle categories. Riders must declare their vehicle category at registration and may not switch vehicle types during an attempt.
• Standard Upright — Any 2-wheeled upright bicycle, including road, gravel, and time trial (TT) format bikes. No fairings permitted. Includes fixed-gear (fixie) bicycles, which are recorded as a sub-category.
• Recumbent 2-Wheel — Any 2-wheeled recumbent bicycle, unfaired.
• Recumbent 3-Wheel (Trike) — Any 3-wheeled recumbent, unfaired.
• Recumbent 4-Wheel (Quad) — Any 4-wheeled recumbent, unfaired.
• Streamliner — Any 2-wheeled recumbent with full or partial fairing.
• Velomobile — Any 3-wheeled recumbent with full or partial fairing.
• Quad Velomobile — Any 4-wheeled recumbent with full or partial fairing.
• Handcycle — Any human-powered vehicle propelled primarily by arm power.
• Tandem — Any 2-person upright tandem bicycle.
• Recumbent Tandem — Any 2-person recumbent tandem, faired or unfaired (separate sub-categories).
• Fixed-Gear (Fixie) — Any single-speed fixed-gear bicycle (upright or recumbent). Fixed-gear is recognized as a distinct sub-category within each applicable vehicle class, allowing like-for-like comparison separate from geared bikes.
• Other / Unconventional — Any eligible HPV not covered above. Riders using an unconventional vehicle must submit a vehicle classification request through the ITTCU portal at least 7 days before the attempt. The portal will assign a provisional category; the Records Committee will confirm or adjust the classification before the attempt date.
Fairings and aerodynamic devices: Any attachment designed to channel airflow around the rider or vehicle constitutes a fairing for the purposes of category classification. Aerodynamic helmets, skin suits, disc wheels, and aero bars are permitted in the unfaired categories and do not constitute a fairing.
5. Record Distances and Formats
5.1 Standard Distance Records
ITTCU sanctions records for the following fixed distances:
English distances:
• 10 miles
• 25 miles
• 50 miles
• 100 miles
Metric distances:
• 10 km
• 20 km
• 25 km
• 40 km
• 50 km
• 100 km
NOTE: Additional distances may be proposed to the Records Committee for sanctioning if there is demonstrated community interest.
5.2 Timed Records
ITTCU also sanctions records for the following fixed-time formats, in which the goal is maximum distance covered within the allotted time:
• 1 Hour
• 2 Hours
For timed records, the rider begins from a standing start and rides for the full duration on a compliant out-and-back or loop course. The official distance is measured to the nearest meter based on the GPS track and, where the finish does not coincide with a lap start/finish marker, pro-rated based on the rider's average speed over the final lap or segment.
All course standards in Section 6 apply to timed records. Timed records are particularly well-suited to loop courses, where the rider completes as many laps as possible within the time window and the final partial lap distance is calculated as described above.
NOTE: The 1-hour record holds special historical significance in cycling. ITTCU maintains the 1-hour record separately for each vehicle category, with the expectation that it will become one of the most prestigious ITTCU records over time.
5.3 Gender Categories
ITTCU maintains records in the following gender categories:
• Male — Open to male athletes as defined below.
• Female — Open to female athletes as defined below.
• Mixed Tandem — A two-person tandem with one male and one female rider.
Definition of Female Category Eligibility: Consistent with the International Olympic Committee’s Policy on the Protection of the Female Category (adopted March 26, 2026), eligibility for the Female category is limited to biological females. For the purposes of ITTCU records, a biological female is defined as a person whose sex at birth is female, consistent with IOC eligibility standards.
Definition of Male Category Eligibility: The Male category is open to all athletes who do not meet the criteria for the Female category as defined above.
ITTCU recognizes that this policy applies specifically to its competitive record categories and is not a statement about the identity, dignity, or worth of any person. ITTCU welcomes all riders to participate in the sport and set records in the Male category regardless of gender identity.
NOTE: ITTCU does not conduct biological testing. The honor system declaration made at registration constitutes the rider’s certification of eligibility for their chosen category. Any fraudulent declaration of category eligibility is grounds for disqualification and a permanent ban from ITTCU record registration.
6. Course Standards
6.1 Course Configuration
All ITTCU record courses must be either an out-and-back route or a closed loop. Point-to-point courses (with different start and finish locations) are not permitted for ITTCU records, as they cannot adequately neutralize wind and elevation advantages.
The start and finish locations should be at the same point. However, ITTCU recognizes that on loop courses it is sometimes impractical to have the finish at the exact start. In such cases:
• The straight-line distance between the official start point and the official finish point must not exceed 10% of the total record distance.
• Example: A rider completing a 100-mile record on a 19-mile loop might finish 5 miles past the start/finish marker. The 5-mile offset is within the 10-mile (10%) tolerance and is acceptable.
• The offset distance and direction must be documented in the submission and shown in the GPS track.
6.2 Course Neutrality
ITTCU courses must be designed to neutralize systematic advantages. The following principles apply:
Elevation:
• For out-and-back courses, net elevation is inherently neutralized by the return trip.
• For loop courses, the net elevation gain over the complete loop must not exceed 500 meters per 100 km (approximately 26 feet per mile). Courses with greater net elevation change require Records Committee pre-approval and will be designated as a distinct “hilly loop” sub-category if approved.
Wind:
• Out-and-back and loop courses inherently mitigate prevailing wind advantage. No additional wind restrictions apply, though riders are encouraged to avoid attempts in extreme wind conditions.
6.3 Course Surface
The course may be on any paved or unpaved surface accessible to the vehicle type used, including public roads, closed circuits, cycling paths, or velodromes. The surface type must be declared at registration. Gravel and unpaved records are maintained as a separate category (Road vs. Track/Velodrome vs. Gravel).
6.4 New vs. Established Courses
A rider establishing a new record on a previously unused course is free to design any compliant route. The course must be described in sufficient detail in the submission for the route to be replicated by future challengers.
A rider challenging an existing record on an established course must follow the same route as prior record holders, using the same start and turnaround/finish points. The established course GPS track is available on the ITTCU records database.
6.5 Course Hilliness Classification
All ITTCU courses are classified by hilliness using elevation gain per mile (or per kilometer for metric courses). Elevation gain is calculated as total ascent over the full course distance, as reported by the registered Strava segment. Note that hilliness classification is based on total ascent, which is distinct from the net elevation neutrality requirements in Section 6.2.
Hilliness classifications are as follows:
Flat: 0–20 ft/mile (0–12 m/km)
Rolling: 21–50 ft/mile (13–31 m/km)
Hilly: 51–100 ft/mile (32–62 m/km)
Mountainous: over 100 ft/mile (over 62 m/km)
The hilliness classification is part of the course registration and is determined at the time the course segment is registered with ITTCU. Riders self-report the classification based on the Strava segment data. The Records Committee reserves the right to verify and correct the classification using the segment's elevation data.
Records are maintained separately for each hilliness classification within each distance, vehicle, gender, and age group category. A record set on a Flat course and a record set on a Rolling course in the same distance and vehicle category are distinct records.
7. No-Drafting and Solo Start Rules
7.1 Solo Start Requirement
All ITTCU record attempts must begin as a solo, individual effort from a standing start. Mass starts and staggered starts with other riders on the same course simultaneously are not permitted.
Unlike the British CTT format where multiple riders are released onto the same course in sequence and regularly overtake one another, ITTCU records require the rider to be the only competitor on the course for the duration of the attempt. A rider who encounters another cyclist on a public road or path does not violate this rule, but must not gain a drafting advantage from that cyclist.
7.2 No-Drafting Rules
Drafting occurs when a rider follows closely behind another cyclist or vehicle and benefits from reduced wind resistance. The following constitute disqualifying drafting violations:
• Following any motor vehicle at less than 30 meters (approximately 100 feet) for more than 30 seconds continuously.
• Riding in close proximity to any other cyclist—whether a competitor, pacer, or member of the public—in a manner that provides a drafting benefit. As a general guideline, riding within 10 meters directly behind another cyclist for more than 10 seconds constitutes a drafting violation.
• Receiving a lead-out or pace from any person on a bicycle.
Brief proximity to other cyclists due to unavoidable traffic conditions on public roads is not a violation, provided the rider does not position themselves to receive a drafting benefit and moves clear as soon as safely possible.
7.3 Support Vehicles
ITTCU records are designed to be completable without a dedicated follow vehicle or support crew, in contrast to the extensive crew requirements of long ultra-cycling records. However, a rider may have a support vehicle if they choose.
If a support vehicle is used, it must not precede the rider at any point in a manner that would shield the rider from headwinds. The vehicle must follow behind the rider or leapfrog ahead at sufficient distance (minimum 100 meters in front) to avoid providing a wind advantage.
8. Required Documentation
8.1 Strava Segment and Activity Submission
ITTCU uses Strava as its primary verification platform. Strava’s segment matching system, GPS course definition, and activity data display replace the need for ITTCU to build or maintain its own data parsing infrastructure.
8.1.1 Course Registration (Before the Attempt)
Every ITTCU record course must be registered as a Strava segment prior to the attempt. The segment defines the official course GPS route, start point, and finish point.
• If no segment exists for the intended course, the rider must create one on Strava before registering the attempt. The segment must conform to all ITTCU course standards (Section 6).
• The Strava segment URL must be submitted as part of the pre-registration on ittcu.org. The ITTCU portal will record the segment ID as the official course definition.
• If an ITTCU-registered segment already exists for the course, the rider must use that segment. The registered segment link is listed in the ITTCU records database.
NOTE: Strava segments must be set to public visibility. Private segments cannot be verified by ITTCU or future challengers.
8.1.2 Activity Submission (After the Attempt)
The rider's Strava activity must be uploaded and set to public visibility within 24 hours of completing the attempt. For embedded record attempts, see Section 8.1.4. The submission portal will verify the Strava activity upload timestamp. Activities uploaded more than 24 hours after the attempt will not be accepted. The rider is responsible for ensuring connectivity and timely upload. The activity must show the matched segment effort for the registered ITTCU course, confirming that Strava recognized the rider’s GPS track as matching the official segment.
The Strava activity must include the following data streams, which the rider is responsible for ensuring are active and recording before the attempt begins:
Power (watts) — A calibrated power meter must be used and actively recording. Power data is required and must be visible in the Strava activity.
Heart rate — A heart rate monitor (chest strap or optical sensor) must be worn and recording. Heart rate must be visible in the Strava activity.
Cadence — Cadence data must be recorded via a crank- or pedal-based sensor and visible in the Strava activity.
GPS location and speed — A GPS device must be used throughout the attempt. Location and speed data are recorded automatically by any compatible GPS head unit and must be present in the activity file. No additional speed sensor is required.
The following data channel is strongly recommended but not required:
Temperature — Ambient temperature from a head unit or external sensor.
The Strava activity must be set to public visibility at the time of submission and must remain public for a minimum of 90 days after certification to allow for Records Committee review and any potential appeals.
8.1.3 FIT File (Archival)
In addition to the Strava activity link, the rider must upload the raw FIT file downloaded from their GPS head unit or from Strava. The FIT file is stored by ITTCU for archival and forensic purposes only — ITTCU does not parse or process FIT files as part of the normal certification workflow. The FIT file serves as a backup record that can be examined if a certified record is ever disputed.
8.1.4 Embedded Records
A rider may register for multiple record categories in a single attempt, provided all registered efforts share the same standing start. For example, a rider may register simultaneously for 10-mile, 20-mile, 1-hour, and 2-hour categories, with all split times derived from the same Strava activity beginning at the common start point.
The following conditions apply to embedded record attempts:
Registration — All intended categories must be registered and paid for through the portal before the attempt begins.
Stops during the attempt — The rider may stop and resume during an embedded record attempt. All embedded records that are fully completed remain valid regardless of intermediate stops, provided each resumption begins from a standstill in compliance with standard ITTCU starting rules.
Head unit documentation — A photograph of the head unit display must be taken immediately after the final registered effort is complete. This photo serves as documentation for all embedded records in the attempt.
Partial completion — If a rider is unable to complete the longest registered effort, any shorter embedded records that were fully completed prior to stopping remain valid and may be submitted.
Strava activity — A single Strava activity is used for all embedded record submissions. The 24-hour upload requirement runs from the completion of the final registered effort, or from the point of stopping if the attempt is not fully completed.
Submission — Each embedded category must be submitted separately through the portal, referencing the same Strava activity link.
NOTE: FIT files can be downloaded directly from the Strava activity page (‘Export Original’ option). The file must be the original unedited export.
8.2 Required Image Documentation
The following photographs are required as part of every record submission:
• At least one clear photograph of the vehicle used, showing the complete vehicle from the side. This allows the Records Committee to confirm the vehicle category.
• At least one photograph showing the rider on the vehicle, ideally taken during the attempt or immediately before or after. The rider's face must be clearly visible in at least one photo.
• A screenshot of the Strava activity summary page showing the matched segment effort, including time, distance, and power/HR/cadence data.
• A photo of the head unit display at the finish. For embedded record attempts, a photo from the final completed distance is sufficient — intermediate split photos are not required.
NOTE: GPS-tagged photos are strongly encouraged. Most smartphones embed location data in photos automatically when Location Services are enabled. Photos uploaded to the Strava activity also satisfy this requirement.
8.3 Pre-Registration Requirement
Record attempts must be registered with ITTCU before the attempt begins. Pre-registration serves to:
• Establish the official attempt date and conditions
• Confirm the vehicle category, distance, gender category, and age category
• Confirm the course (existing or new)
• Process the record attempt fee
Pre-registration must be completed at least 48 hours before the planned start of the attempt. The portal automatically detects whether a record exists in the registered category: if no record exists, the fee is waived and the attempt is registered as a first-record attempt; if a record exists, the applicable fee is charged at checkout. The rider may reschedule to any date within the one-year registration window at any time through the portal, with no approval required and no additional fee.
8.4 Post-Attempt Submission
All required documentation must be submitted within 14 days of the completion of the attempt. Submissions are made through the ITTCU portal at ittcu.org, which requires payment to be completed before a submission enters the review queue. Submissions received more than 14 days after the record attempt will not be accepted.
Required uploads:
• Strava activity link (must be public and show the matched segment effort for the registered ITTCU course)
• Raw FIT file downloaded from Strava or head unit (stored for archival purposes only)
• Required photographs (vehicle, rider, and finish display)
• Rider declaration confirming compliance with all ITTCU rules (checkbox in the portal)
Upon successful submission the portal automatically sends the rider a confirmation email with a submission reference number. The rider can check submission status at any time through their account dashboard without contacting the Records Committee.
9. Honor System and Verification
9.1 Philosophy
ITTCU operates on a foundation of trust and good sportsmanship. The submission of a Strava activity showing a matched segment effort, supported by a FIT file and photographic evidence, provides robust verification of the key facts of a record attempt — route, distance, time, speed, and vehicle — without requiring a human official to be present at all times. Strava’s segment matching system independently confirms that the rider’s GPS track corresponds to the registered course.
By submitting a record attempt, the rider certifies under honor that:
• The ride was completed as described, in compliance with all ITTCU rules
• No drafting benefit was received from any vehicle or cyclist
• The vehicle used matches the declared category
• The FIT file submitted is the original unedited export and represents the actual effort
• All applicable traffic laws were obeyed during the attempt
9.2 Automated Checks and Committee Review
The ITTCU portal performs automated pre-screening of all submissions upon receipt:
• Confirms all required items are present (Strava activity link, FIT file, photographs)
• Confirms payment is complete for the registered category
• Confirms the Strava activity contains a matched effort for the registered ITTCU segment, within a 1% tolerance of the registered distance or time
• Flags the submission for human review if any check fails or if the performance is statistically unusual for the category
Submissions passing all automated checks are queued for Records Committee certification. The Committee’s role is a final human review rather than a primary gatekeeping function — most straightforward submissions will require minimal Committee time. The Committee may request additional information via the portal messaging system, decline to certify an inconsistent submission, or retroactively audit any certified record if new information emerges.
The Records Committee’s decision on certification is final. An appeals process is available through the portal within 30 days of a certification decision.
9.3 Disqualification
An attempt will be disqualified for any of the following:
• Submission of a modified, edited, or otherwise falsified FIT file, or a Strava activity that does not authentically represent the attempt
• Evidence of drafting from a motor vehicle or other cyclist
• Vehicle category misrepresentation
• Course does not meet ITTCU standards (not an out-and-back or loop; start/finish offset exceeds 10%)
• Failure to submit required documentation within the permitted period
• Any fraudulent representation in the record submission
A rider who is found to have intentionally falsified a record submission will be permanently banned from ITTCU record registration.
10. Vehicle Rules
All vehicles must be propelled solely by human muscular effort. Motor assist, electric assist, or any non-human power source is strictly prohibited.
There are no restrictions on gearing, wheel size, tire type, or frame material, except as specified by vehicle category (e.g., fairing restrictions in unfaired categories).
The rider may change to a spare or replacement vehicle during an attempt in the event of a mechanical failure, provided the replacement vehicle is the same vehicle type and category. The exchange must be documented in the submission.
All riders must wear a helmet that meets recognized safety standards (e.g., CPSC, CE EN1078, ASTM F1952) and the helmet must be properly secured at all times while riding.
For attempts on public roads, the vehicle must comply with applicable local laws regarding lights, reflectors, and road legality.
11. Fees, Membership, and Awards
11.1 First Record in a Category — Free
When no record currently exists in a given category, the first rider to establish that record pays no registration fee. This policy is designed to encourage participation, grow the database, and reward pioneers who open new categories for future competition.
A category is defined by the unique combination of distance or timed format, vehicle class, gender, age group, and surface type. If a category has never had a certified record, the first submission is free.
All other rules and documentation requirements apply in full to free first-record attempts. There is no reduced standard for certification simply because the attempt is the first in its category.
11.2 Record Attempt Fees
When a record already exists in a category — meaning a rider is attempting to beat an established mark — the following fees apply:
• Non-member: $15.00 USD per attempt
• ITTCU Member: $10.00 USD per attempt
Each fee covers a single record attempt in a single category. The registration window remains open for one year from the date of payment, allowing the rider to reschedule within that period at no additional cost.
If a rider completes a ride that qualifies for multiple categories simultaneously — for example, a 2-hour timed effort that also covers 100 km — each category requires its own registration and fee. There are no bundle discounts.
Additional categories may be registered either before the attempt or within 14 days after it. In both cases, the process is the same: the rider registers the category and pays the applicable fee through the ITTCU submission portal at ittcu.org. The portal will not accept a submission for review until payment for that category is completed. No invoicing, manual fee collection, or Records Committee intervention is required — the system handles it automatically.
11.3 Annual Membership
ITTCU Annual Membership costs $30.00 USD per calendar year. Membership renews on January 1st each year. A rider who joins mid-year pays the full $30.00 and receives membership benefits through December 31st of that year.
At $10.00 per attempt versus $15.00 for non-members, membership pays for itself after six record attempts in a year. Riders who plan to set records in multiple categories or across multiple seasons will find membership worthwhile.
11.4 Membership Benefits
ITTCU Annual Members receive the following benefits:
• Discounted record attempt fee: $10.00 per attempt (vs. $15.00 for non-members)
• ITTCU member listing in the online member directory
• Early access to rule updates, new category announcements, and ITTCU news
• Voting rights on proposed rule changes submitted to the membership for comment
• A digital ITTCU membership card suitable for display
• Recognition on the ITTCU website as a supporting member of the organization
NOTE: Membership is not required to attempt a record. Any rider may register a record attempt and pay the non-member fee without joining. Membership is an optional way to support the organization and reduce per-attempt costs for frequent participants.
11.5 Record Certificates and Awards
All certified records are entered into the public ITTCU records database at ittcu.org. Every record holder — whether the attempt was free or paid — receives:
• A digital ITTCU Record Certificate personalized with the rider’s name, category, distance or time, speed, date, and course. The certificate is suitable for printing and sharing.
• A permanent listing in the ITTCU records database, including a link to the public activity file and photographs submitted with the attempt.
Optional physical awards (plaques, medals, and other memorabilia) are available for purchase through the ITTCU awards program. Details and pricing are listed at ittcu.org.
11.6 Fee Summary
The following table summarizes all ITTCU fees:
Item
Non-Member
ITTCU Member
First record in any new category
Free
Free
Challenge an existing record
$15.00
$10.00
Annual membership
—
$30.00 / year
12. Minimum Performance Standards
To prevent trivially slow performances from establishing records in new categories, a minimum performance standard applies when no prior record exists in a category. Minimum benchmarks are published in the ITTCU Performance Standards table at ittcu.org and are incorporated into the portal’s automated pre-screening. A submission falling below the benchmark for its category is automatically flagged before the rider submits, giving them the opportunity to confirm they wish to proceed. When a record already exists in a category, any faster time supersedes it automatically with no minimum threshold.
13. Records Database and Search
All ITTCU records are published in the public records database at ittcu.org. Upon certification, a record is automatically posted to the database and the record holder receives an email with their digital certificate attached. If the new record supersedes a previous one, the prior record holder is also automatically notified by email. The database may be filtered by:
• Vehicle category
• Distance (English or metric)
• Gender
• Age group
• Course surface (road, track/velodrome, gravel)
• Country of record holder (nationality)
• Year
Each record entry displays the rider’s name, time, average speed, date, course description, and a link to the public activity file. Photographs submitted with the attempt may also be displayed at the rider’s request.
14. The ITTCU Classification System
Every record in the ITTCU database is tagged with five classification factors:
Distance • Course Type • Sex • Vehicle • Age Group
Together these five factors define every record category in the database. Because all five dimensions are attached to every submission, results can be filtered and compared in any combination — narrowing to only the factors a rider or observer cares about in a given moment.
14.1 Why a Standardized Classification System
Cycling results have historically been reported inconsistently, with race directors using varying formats that make cross-event comparison difficult. As recumbents, trikes, velomobiles, handcycles, and other human-powered vehicles become more common in competitive settings, the need for a standardized and reproducible classification system becomes urgent.
The ITTCU Classification System addresses this directly. Because every submission uses the same five-factor tagging from day one, the database becomes more useful over time without any additional administrative effort. Course records, age group progressions, vehicle performance trends, and seasonal patterns all emerge naturally from the accumulated data.
14.2 Multi-Level Comparison
The five-factor system allows performance comparison at any level of specificity:
• A rider who wants to know how they performed against others of the same sex, age group, and vehicle type can filter to that exact cohort.
• A rider who wants to see where they stand in the overall field regardless of vehicle or age can filter to distance and course type only.
• A researcher comparing performance across vehicle categories can isolate vehicle type while holding all other factors constant.
• A coach tracking an athlete’s progression over time can filter to that rider’s specific category across multiple years.
The data is always complete. The filter is in the user’s hands.
14.3 Vehicle Separation and Scientific Integrity
One persistent obstacle to integrating non-traditional vehicles into competitive cycling has been the perception — sometimes accurate, sometimes not — that certain vehicle types confer a speed advantage. The ITTCU Classification System addresses this directly: by maintaining strict vehicle-type separation in the records database, riders on standard bikes can compare themselves cleanly against other standard bike riders, while still having the option to view results across all vehicle types on the same course and distance.
This separation also enables rigorous scientific comparison. Researchers studying the performance characteristics of different vehicle types can query the ITTCU database by vehicle category across identical distances, course types, and demographic groups — producing controlled, reproducible data that has not previously been available in a centralized and standardized form.
14.4 Adoption by Event Organizers
The ITTCU Classification System is offered as an open standard for any cycling event organizer who wishes to report results in a consistent, multi-vehicle-friendly format. Events that adopt the system benefit from:
• Results that are immediately comparable to ITTCU records and to other events using the same system.
• A clear and objective framework for including non-traditional vehicles without creating confusion among standard-bike participants.
• The ability to contribute to the long-term historical record of human-powered time trial performance.
Event organizers interested in adopting the ITTCU Classification System for their events may contact records@ittcu.org for guidance and support.
15. Rule Amendments and Interpretation
The ITTCU Records Committee reserves the right to amend these rules at any time to preserve the integrity of the record-keeping system. Amendments will be published at ittcu.org with an effective date.
Common questions of interpretation are addressed in the ITTCU Rules FAQ at ittcu.org, updated as new situations arise. For questions not covered by the FAQ, riders may submit an interpretation request through the portal; the Records Committee will respond within 7 days and publish the ruling in the FAQ so all riders benefit from the clarification.
For matters requiring direct contact: records@ittcu.org