Paul’s 12-Hour Time Trial

National 12hr TT 2025 – Paul Golding

Leading into the 12hr I had no idea or really any expectation of how the day would go. I have completed many triathlons, including Ironman…although that was way back in 2006. I’d only been back on the bike 10 months after a 7 year lay off, still kept fit but no cycling. I’d never ridden a time trial before, let alone something as epic as a 12hr TT. 

Anyway that’s all the self limiting excuses out of the way, I’ll get back to the race…

As the timekeeper counted me off, I actually felt really happy to be at the start line as it’d been far too long since I last competed and doing a “12” had always been a goal of mine. As I rode off I started easy knowing it would be a long day and wanted to keep my energy reserves in check. I was advised the day before by Steve the race organiser to not go off too hot, so I settled into a steady 18.2mph which felt comfortable although my heart rate was initially elevated (due to excitement), it settled eventually. 

First lap was really just to see how I felt and to check out the route, it was very flat, only a stiff headwind at certain parts of the circuit…which meant a lovely tailwind as well. 

After the first lap I settled into my rhythm and started to really enjoy myself, pace was consistent as was confirmed by my girlfriend who said I was almost spot on with the lap times. 

Throughout the day the wind would gust stronger at times often in conjunction with some short downpours, but I didn’t allow any of that to “dampen” my spirits. After approximately 8 hours my pace dropped a little, but I continued to manage my effort and keep a positive mindset.

At 10 and a half hours we were directed onto the finishing circuit which was wonderful as it meant more tailwind than headwind. Looking at my Garmin I could see I was going to beat 200 miles and as numbers slowly changed from 199 to 200 I felt a wave of happiness and emotion wash over me. Then I shifted my goal to see how many more miles I could complete before 12 hours were up….

As the time was ticking away I rode past the start/finish lap Marshalls, they shouted out 3mins remaining, at that point I was mentally and physically ready to finish, I knew I would be able to stop in about one mile as that’s where the next timekeepers would be. As I rode that last mile I felt exhausted but also so very proud, this was the longest and most challenging sporting endeavour of my life, even more so than Ironman. 

I crossed the finish having completed 210.1 miles, not world beating by any means…but for me it was everything. 

Thank you Steve Burrows of Vive le Velo for putting on an amazing race and giving me an awesome day. 

My stats of the day for those interested were:

210.1 miles completed of which 11hrs 55 were actual moving miles, yep only stopped for 5mins in total. 

17.4mph average speed

139 bpm average heart rate 

4,188 total calories burnt

57,452 total pedal strokes