I told them that most roadies tend to be plodders and don't have the top end speed of crit riders. I told them to use their strengths against the other guys' weaknesses and don't give them the chance to use their strengths again your weaknesses. They didn't doubt me any more after that. Do your speed work, even roadies. Time Trials Time trials are mostly pace, speed, power, technique, and psychology.
Some strategy is involved in course topography and weather.
Starting in a tailwind means saving something for the return in the head wind. On flatter courses, it is a matter of speed and pacing, not going too fast at the start. Topography means understanding that you will gain more time on climbs per unit of energy expended than on flats or down hills. They are a really great learning experience. I spent the race teaching him how to ride a TTT and coaching him.