WHAT STRATEGIES DO TEAMS USE IN THE MIXED RELAY TIME TRIAL AT THE WORLDS?

Format and unique demands

The mixed relay time trial was introduced at the 2019 UCI Road World Championships as an innovative replacement for the trade team time trial. The format requires three male riders to complete a course before handing over to three female riders, with the final time determined by the second woman to cross the line. This hybrid structure forces national teams to think beyond individual strength and consider seamless cohesion across both squads.

Key rules shaping strategy

Unlike individual or traditional team time trials, the mixed relay prioritizes transitions and combined pacing across genders. The clock doesn’t stop at the men’s finish but only after the women complete their portion. Thus, male riders must deliver their segment at maximum speed without overextending, ensuring that the female squad can sustain a winning rhythm. The format forces balance rather than pure explosive dominance.

• Three men start, time taken on second finisher

• Three women finish, time taken on second finisher

• Transitions are critical—lost seconds can decide medals

• Coordination across squads is as vital as raw power

This event is uniquely nationalistic in nature. Unlike pro trade teams, riders don’t always train together year-round. That lack of familiarity requires quick adaptation and meticulous pre-race planning to synchronize pacing strategies and formations.

Why it stands apart

The mixed relay is not just another race—it reflects the UCI’s push toward gender inclusivity and creative formats. It challenges conventional wisdom about time trials by emphasizing collective execution across different physiological profiles. Teams that ignore the intricacies of balance, transitions, and roster composition are quickly exposed in this discipline.

Pacing, formations, and roster design

At the heart of the mixed relay is the question of pacing. Teams must decide how hard the men go relative to the women’s capacity, knowing the final time depends entirely on the latter. Going too fast in the men’s leg may demoralize or overextend the women’s squad, while going too slow surrenders precious seconds. The sweet spot lies in harmonizing power output and course demands.

Pacing philosophies

Some nations adopt an all-out men’s segment, reasoning that banking time early forces rivals into pressure situations. Others adopt a steadier men’s effort to allow the women’s squad a smoother handover. Analytics, course profiles, and real-time data all feed into these decisions. For example, flat courses reward raw aerodynamics and steady pacing, while hilly routes may demand selective effort allocation to protect climbers.

• Front-loading effort with men for a time buffer

• Balancing men’s pacing to preserve women’s rhythm

• Customizing power strategies to course terrain

• Leveraging rider specialties—rouleurs vs climbers

Roster design is equally crucial. Nations must select six riders not just for power, but for compatibility. A team with two dominant male time trialists but underpowered female riders risks imbalance. Success depends on balance across both halves of the relay.

Aerodynamic formations and role distribution

Like in traditional team time trials, drafting efficiency and aerodynamics are critical. Teams rotate riders in short, structured pulls to maximize speed while minimizing energy waste. Stronger riders may take longer turns at the front, while weaker riders conserve energy in the slipstream. The men often execute more aggressive rotations, while women focus on sustainable, steady pacing to avoid blow-ups.

In both squads, the goal is to deliver at least two riders to the line intact, making role distribution strategic. Sometimes, one rider is designated as a sacrificial domestique, burning out early to give the team momentum before dropping. This sacrificial role highlights the brutal, calculated efficiency of the event.

Transitions and future evolution

The transition from men to women is the most underestimated element of the mixed relay. Handovers are not literal baton passes, but the timing gap between the two squads is critical. A sloppy switch can bleed seconds, while a smooth transition maximizes the flow of momentum. Teams rehearse this exchange meticulously, ensuring female riders launch into their segment with clarity and rhythm.

Executing clean handovers

Transitions require logistical precision. Men finish their leg and stop the clock, after which the women begin. While this seems simple, pacing miscalculations can cause disaster. If the men arrive far faster than expected, the women may not be fully prepared, leading to chaotic starts. Conversely, slower-than-planned men’s pacing can leave the women anxious, waiting to salvage time.

• Synchronizing warm-up routines between squads

• Rehearsing start procedures to avoid wasted seconds

• Adjusting pacing to keep both halves aligned

• Data-driven timing to optimize exchanges

The mixed relay continues to evolve tactically. Nations are experimenting with different rider compositions, blending pure time trialists with classics specialists for versatility. As more editions are raced, data will refine best practices, from optimal pacing ratios to ideal roster profiles.

Future of the discipline

While still young, the mixed relay has already established itself as a tactical showcase at the Worlds. It embodies cycling’s push for innovation, testing how teams adapt to formats that prioritize equality and coordination. As nations invest more in preparation, expect increasingly sophisticated strategies, deeper analysis of physiological data, and even greater emphasis on team cohesion.

In the long run, the discipline could shape broader cycling tactics. Its emphasis on balance and inclusivity may inspire changes in other formats, while also offering fans a fresh lens through which to view national rivalries. For now, the mixed relay stands as a proving ground where strategy, unity, and precision are just as decisive as power.