Cut Time Q & A
New to PICL Competition or sweeping out the cobwebs? Cut times can be confusing for student-athletes and coaches. Read on to learn more about why they exist and how to set athletes up for success.
Q: My rider didn’t make the time cut. Did they still finish?
Yes. Every rider who competes within the allowed time earns both a finish time and a finish place. Completing all laps is not required to be considered a finisher or to be successful. Everyone who crosses under the arch on their last lap is recognized for their effort and accomplishment.
Q: Why are there cut times at all?
Cut times ensure fairness and safety for all riders. Just like in football when the clock runs out, or in school when time is called on a test, everyone plays by the same rules. Time limits provide structure and ensure that competition is equal for everyone.
Q: How are cut times decided?
They are set intentionally based on predicted finish times and on long-term athlete development (LTAD) principles. LTAD takes into account both physical age and “sport age” (how long someone has been active in sports, especially cycling). The goal is to challenge young riders appropriately while keeping the experience safe and rewarding.
To determine cut times, the maximum time on course is divided by the max number of laps permitted for that category, then multiplied by one less than the max number of permitted laps. While the permitted number laps may change from course to course, the max time allowed on course for a category does not change.
Example: 6th Grade Girls & Boys → Max Time = 45 minutes → Permitted Laps 3
45 ÷ 3 = 15 x 2 = 30 → 30 minutes after start is cut time
Q: Why might cut times impact a race at one course over another?
Not all courses are the same length or difficulty. Small differences - smoother trails, shorter laps, dry vs. muddy conditions, or varying degrees of elevation - can affect whether a rider makes the time cut. These variables are a natural part of the sport.
Q: What if my rider feels disappointed about being cut off?
It’s normal to feel that way, but we encourage athletes to focus on what they can control: their effort. Riders can’t control the course, weather, or scoreboard, but they can give their best every time. We often frame the time cut as the “finish line” for some riders and a “stretch goal” for others. Either way, effort and perseverance are the real victories.
Q: How can my rider set themself up for success?
If your rider wears a watch with a timer, they can set it for the cut time.
Start Time 2:00 PM → Cut Time 30 min. → 30 min on watch timer and hit start just before “go.”
If your rider wears a watch without a timer, they can write the cut time on a piece of tape and put on their handlebars.
Start Time 2:00 PM → Cut Time 30 min. → 2:30 PM on tape, then refer to watch.
If your rider does not wear a watch, they can write the cut time on a piece of tape and put on their handlebars. Then, a coach or parent can position themself on the course and call out to the rider with the current time.