First race questions

colm_gti

Ok so I've got it in my head now that I'm going to head out to mondello this evening to pop my racing cherry, but I'm getting the last minute stomach butterflies now, thinking about the minor details, and could do with a few pointers from the racing veterans on here :rolleyes:

Race numbers...where abouts on my jersey do I pin them?
Kit...can I wear any bibs and jersey I want? (don't have new club gear yet)
Getting dropped...should I bring a paper bag to cover my head and some headphones to keep me company for when I get spat out the back and dropped like a hot potato?
Food...are A4 races generally short enough to get away without needing food/gels to keep you going, provided you've eaten enough beforehand? Would one even have the opportunity to eat with the pace?
Punctures...if I get one, do I just drop off, walk to the paddock and call it a day?

Probably complete 'noob' questions, apologies, but just things that are buzzing through my head when I'm supposed to be working :pac:

Lumen

Wear plain kit. Don't bring headphones.

Regarding punctures, you may be allowed to take a lap and get back on (if you can get a wheel or fix it youself), ask the organisers.

colm_gti

Lumen wrote: »

Wear plain kit. Don't bring headphones.

Regarding punctures, you may be allowed to take a lap and get back on (if you can get a wheel or fix it youself), ask the organisers.

Plainest kit I have is that Look La-Vie Claire stuff that was on special in CCS, is that plain enough?

Plastik

From what I've heard of those Mondello races, talk about a baptism of fire

buffalo

I've not been to Mondello, but generally...

colm_gti wrote: »

Ok so I've got it in my head now that I'm going to head out to mondello this evening to pop my racing cherry, but I'm getting the last minute stomach butterflies now, thinking about the minor details, and could do with a few pointers from the racing veterans on here :rolleyes:

Race numbers...where abouts on my jersey do I pin them?

You get two of them, they go on your lower back, one left, one right. As close to the bottom of your jersey as possible is best. Mine meet in the middle to save on safety pins (bring about ten with you). Don't fold them over or anything silly like that.

colm_gti wrote: »

Kit...can I wear any bibs and jersey I want? (don't have new club gear yet)

No pro kit. If you've no club gear, just wear plain stuff. Or as plain as possible.

colm_gti wrote: »

Getting dropped...should I bring a paper bag to cover my head and some headphones to keep me company for when I get spat out the back and dropped like a hot potato

I've no experience of being dropped. ha, I wish. srsly, it's pretty demoralising, but it's your first race, so don't sweat it. Especially Mondello, I imagine it's a fast course. Hold on for as long as possible. If you're getting tired, sit in.

colm_gti wrote: »

Food...are A4 races generally short enough to get away without needing food/gels to keep you going, provided you've eaten enough beforehand? Would one even have the opportunity to eat with the pace?

I eat something substantial with two hours to spare before the race, then one gel or banana just before the race. I pack one gel for if I'm feeling weak, and a second if I bonk.

colm_gti wrote: »

Punctures...if I get one, do I just drop off, walk to the paddock and call it a day?

Yep. If you're in the middle, yell out "PUNCTURE!", and (if possible) hold one hand in the air so other riders can see where you are and go around you. Pull off to the side, get out of the way. At least with Mondello you won't have far to get back to the car.

colm_gti wrote: »

Probably complete 'noob' questions, apologies, but just things that are buzzing through my head when I'm supposed to be working :pac:

colm_gti

Plastik wrote: »

From what I've heard of those Mondello races, talk about a baptism of fire

Read previous threads all right....eager to get started though

lennymc

good luck. Main thing is to enjoy it!

lennymc

good luck. Main thing is to enjoy it!

manwithaplan

colm_gti wrote: »

Race numbers...where abouts on my jersey do I pin them?

If it's an open race and you have two race numbers issued by CI, put them side by side over your jersey pockets. Don't cover the openings if you want to get at gels etc! If you are getting a one day licence and they give you a single number, you can put it higher up the back if you prefer.

Kit...can I wear any bibs and jersey I want? (don't have new club gear yet)

Wear plain kit. Nothing with advertising or replica pro team kit. Kit with just the maker's logo should be fine.

Getting dropped...should I bring a paper bag to cover my head and some headphones to keep me company for when I get spat out the back and dropped like a hot potato?

If you get dropped, keep going. Don't drop out.

Food...are A4 races generally short enough to get away without needing food/gels to keep you going, provided you've eaten enough beforehand? Would one even have the opportunity to eat with the pace?

I'd say the mondello races are pretty short so you mightn't need anything. I would generally bring some gels for anything over 45k or so. It's usually best not to try a particular brand of gel for the first time in a race in case it doesn't agree with you. The High5 ones are usually a safe enough bet though as they are not too viscous and are easy to open. If your shorts are good and tight around the thigh, stuff a couple up there for easy access. Ride around a bit first to make sure they don't come loose.

Punctures...if I get one, do I just drop off, walk to the paddock and call it a day?

Unfortunately yes, until you can afford your own team car! For Mondello, you can leave the puncture repair stuff at the start.

Probably complete 'noob' questions, apologies, but just things that are buzzing through my head when I'm supposed to be working

Not at all. I asked myself all those questions before I started racing. Enjoy it and the best of luck.

colm_gti

buffalo wrote: »

You get two of them, they go on your lower back, one left, one right. As close to the bottom of your jersey as possible is best. Mine meet in the middle to save on safety pins (bring about ten with you). Don't fold them over or anything silly like that.

I got my own numbers with my licence, I presume I use them ones? Or do you get different ones for these races?

buffalo wrote: »

No pro kit. If you've no club gear, just wear plain stuff. Or as plain as possible.

The only 2 kits I have are the Look La-Vie Claire kit that was on special in CCS, or the 'Thinkbike CC' kit I bought before I joined up to Tiernans CC, would either of those do?

colm_gti

manwithaplan wrote: »

I'd say the mondello races are pretty short so you mightn't need anything. I would generally bring some gels for anything over 45k or so. It's usually best not to try a particular brand of gel for the first time in a race in case it doesn't agree with you. The High5 ones are usually a safe enough bet though as they are not too viscous and are easy to open. If your shorts are good and tight around the thigh, stuff a couple up there for easy access. Ride around a bit first to make sure they don't come loose.

Used high5 a good few times, really liked them, especially compared with the USN vooma gel stuff I've tried, don't have any to hand so might just risk going without them today, bad idea?

buffalo

colm_gti wrote: »

I got my own numbers with my licence, I presume I use them ones? Or do you get different ones for these races?

Nope, use those. The only time you'll get different ones are at stage races.

colm_gti wrote: »

The only 2 kits I have are the Look La-Vie Claire kit that was on special in CCS, or the 'Thinkbike CC' kit I bought before I joined up to Tiernans CC, would either of those do?

I'm not sure what the definitive rules are, but I'd go with the Thinkbike kit personally. People might mistake you for Hinault otherwise. Lot of pressure there!

buffalo

And yes, don't forget it to enjoy it somewhat. Though if you can enjoy it while hanging on all the way around, you're either doing it wrong, or you're Mr Grieves.

Don't forget to throw your bidon away for the sprint.

Hungrycol

You might get away with turning the pro kit jersey inside out and ask the officials if that's OK.

Numbers: As said above

Puntcure: your first race is over. Shout puncture and roll safely and slowly to the side, don't brake hard or make sudden movements. There have been times in a race I've been wishing for a puncture! You could change it and jump back on missing a lap but I wouldn't. If you do don't contest the gallop!

Nutrition: Energy drink (one biddon only should do). Just think of it as a footy match, you wouldn't eat during it but as you don't get a rest at half time just have a gel on the move and keep going. Energy bars are too hard to chew IMO in a race so don't bother with them. Try not to look down to find the cage when replacing your bottle, use the force to know where it is. Maybe drop to the back and have the gel unless you can confidently handle the bike with one hand. If in doubt just don't bother with them.

Getting dropped: Don't kick yourself for getting dropped. Happens all the time and you won't be the only one. Up to you to carry on (recommended) or you can have a early shower.

Nice evening for it. Hope you manage to enjoy it and try not to overcomplicate things in your head. All you have to do is ride really hard for an hour.

Oh and you won't be able to sleep tonight

petethedrummer

lennymc wrote: »

Main thing is to enjoy it!

Good one.

manwithaplan

colm_gti wrote: »

Used high5 a good few times, really liked them, especially compared with the USN vooma gel stuff I've tried, don't have any to hand so might just risk going without them today, bad idea?

Don't bother with them for this one so. It won't make any difference for an hour's racing.

daragh_

good luck colm

petethedrummer

Warm up. Shelter when you can. Get ready to sprint hard out of corners.

Edit: Oh and I've done 3 open races and been dropped in 2. It's not embarassing, it's a blessed relief cos if you're struggling to keep up you will be in alot of discomfort. Re-group and go solo for as long as you can. It's good training.

colm_gti

Thanks for all the wise words lads, much appreciated!

Thoroughly enjoyed the experience, managed to sit with the lead group for the whole race, done my fair share at the front, we managed to hold off the A3/A2/A1's for at least 3/4's off the race, half of us were working well as a group, the other half were sitting at the back shouting at us to do more work, must try sitting with them the next time :P Half way through the last lap, a friend of one of the Tiernans lads I was chatting to before we started rolled up beside me and commented on how well I was doing, the kiss of death, I burnt out, started going backwards and got spat out the back of the bunch, rolled home for the last few hundred meters solo just behind them.

I didn't finish paddy last, and more importantly I made it back to my car under my own steam, happy enough with that, bring on the next one

The proof!

chakattack

Did A3/A4 stay away from A1/A2?

Sounds like you did very well for your first race - well done. Mondello is tough!

You have a good work ethic anyway which is important. Always amuses me when you have lads shouting up up up from midpack to chase when someone goes off the front while they just sit there.

Lumen

chakattack wrote: »

Always amuses me when you have lads shouting up up up from midpack to chase when someone goes off the front while they just sit there.

If you don't ask you don't get.

Wishbone Ash

colm_gti wrote: »

The proof!

Congrats Colm. Well done.

Excuse my ignorance as I'm not familiar with Mondello but I'm a bit puzzled looking at the elevation graph on STRAVA. Assuming you did 15 or so laps shouldn't the elevation be a repetition of the elevation of the first lap? Or am I missing something?

colm_gti

chakattack wrote: »

Did A3/A4 stay away from A1/A2?

Sounds like you did very well for your first race - well done. Mondello is tough!

You have a good work ethic anyway which is important. Always amuses me when you have lads shouting up up up from midpack to chase when someone goes off the front while they just sit there.

I don't think so, there were a good mix of all levels in the group approaching the line, from what I can remember.

colm_gti

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

colm_gti wrote: »

The proof!

Congrats Colm. Well done.

Excuse my ignorance as I'm not familiar with Mondello but I'm a bit puzzled looking at the elevation graph on STRAVA. Assuming you did 15 or so laps shouldn't the elevation be a repetition of the elevation of the first lap? Or am I missing something?

Ah I'm sure there are discrepancies somewhere, the elevation gain is fairly marginal anyway. I upload to brytonsport and export it from that, elevation plot is much more consistent on that site.

Flankerb

Well done Colm, you had a great race you would hardly think it was your first. I got dropped half way thru the last lap but was happy as that was my first open race since clonard back in march. Did a few turns on the front not as much as my teammate but anytime I recovered I went up. There was few down the back that were taking the piss. One guy I hadn't seen for the whole race cruises by me when we hit the hour mark. Great venue great race.

Signal_ rabbit

colm_gti wrote: »

Thanks for all the wise words lads, much appreciated!

Thoroughly enjoyed the experience, managed to sit with the lead group for the whole race, done my fair share at the front, we managed to hold off the A3/A2/A1's for at least 3/4's off the race, half of us were working well as a group, the other half were sitting at the back shouting at us to do more work, must try sitting with them the next time :P Half way through the last lap, a friend of one of the Tiernans lads I was chatting to before we started rolled up beside me and commented on how well I was doing, the kiss of death, I burnt out, started going backwards and got spat out the back of the bunch, rolled home for the last few hundred meters solo just behind them.

I didn't finish paddy last, and more importantly I made it back to my car under my own steam, happy enough with that, bring on the next one

The proof!

Sounds good, what sort of average speed were you clipping at? (Strava site down at mo).

buffalo

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

Congrats Colm. Well done.

Excuse my ignorance as I'm not familiar with Mondello but I'm a bit puzzled looking at the elevation graph on STRAVA. Assuming you did 15 or so laps shouldn't the elevation be a repetition of the elevation of the first lap? Or am I missing something?

Mondello suffers *very* badly with subsidence.

Good stuff Colm, sounds like you had a great debut. Mullingar 2 day next?

colm_gti

Flankerb wrote: »

Well done Colm, you had a great race you would hardly think it was your first. I got dropped half way thru the last lap but was happy as that was my first open race since clonard back in march. Did a few turns on the front not as much as my teammate but anytime I recovered I went up. There was few down the back that were taking the piss. One guy I hadn't seen for the whole race cruises by me when we hit the hour mark. Great venue great race.

Was it yourself I was talking to briefly at the beginning? Or are you the chap that dropped off just after me that I passed coming up to the 'esses' at the back of the course?

Signal_ rabbit wrote: »

Sounds good, what sort of average speed were you clipping at? (Strava site down at mo).

39.1kmph average for the 51.7km race.

colm_gti

buffalo wrote: »

Mondello suffers *very* badly with subsidence.

Good stuff Colm, sounds like you had a great debut. Mullingar 2 day next?

Thanks buffalo....I think 2 days of racing is a bit ambitious at the minute, my legs are feeling fierce tired this morning, unless it's only 1 lap of each course? In which case I'd probably be able to hang onto the back of the bunch for dear life :P

Might be best to just stick with the club league races, and the odd open race until the fitness builds up...although I'd imagine the more race time the better...we'll see.

buffalo

colm_gti wrote: »

Thanks buffalo....I think 2 days of racing is a bit ambitious at the minute, my legs are feeling fierce tired this morning, unless it's only 1 lap of each course? In which case I'd probably be able to hang onto the back of the bunch for dear life :P

Might be best to just stick with the club league races, and the odd open race until the fitness builds up...although I'd imagine the more race time the better...we'll see.

Sallygap finish tomorrow night, should wake your legs up again! Aye, Mullingar would be very ambitious, I was teasing. But there's a few more Mondello nights over the next two months, now that you know the drill, get back in there and get winning!

wanderer 22

Excellent stuff Colm , great debut!

daragh_

Well done Colm. I have race envy.

lennymc

Colm, im doing mullingar, so if your looking for company hanging off the back of the group .....

well done and glad ypou enjoyed it. Must get to one of these myself.

sheepfield

Well done Colm, in my opinion you could not have chosen a better place to start your racing. It is a fantastic facility that Naas CC/Usher IRC provide and the more guys/gals that line up to these races the better. You will get dropped/punctures/bumped&shouted at/prizes(hopefully!) in racing but the great thing is that such things happen to everyone so we all have to learn somewhere.
See you in the next race: 2 weeks time I think.

lennymc

daragh_ wrote: »

I have race envy.

as nike says, just do it

Flankerb

colm_gti wrote: »

Flankerb wrote: »

Well done Colm, you had a great race you would hardly think it was your first. I got dropped half way thru the last lap but was happy as that was my first open race since clonard back in march. Did a few turns on the front not as much as my teammate but anytime I recovered I went up. There was few down the back that were taking the piss. One guy I hadn't seen for the whole race cruises by me when we hit the hour mark. Great venue great race.

Was it yourself I was talking to briefly at the beginning? Or are you the chap that dropped off just after me that I passed coming up to the 'esses' at the back of the course?

Signal_ rabbit wrote: »

Sounds good, what sort of average speed were you clipping at? (Strava site down at mo).

39.1kmph average for the 51.7km race.

I was the fat one dropping of on the second hairpin on the way back in from the country. Do the Mullingar 2 day there will be plenty of us getting dropped to make a decent size autobus.