Top tips for first race 🚲ðŸ†ðŸ˜¬

837897

Started cycling last year with a club, trying out a club race tomorrow for the firsts time. What's your top tips for someone trying their first race??

koutoubia

Dont crash!

837897

koutoubia wrote: »

Dont crash!

Ha, I'll surely crash now.

manwithaplan

You'll be nervous. Don't add to the stress. Get your stuff together well in advance - pin your numbers on tonight - get there early. If you can, eat a decent meal about 3/3.5 hours beforehand and maybe something very light about an hour before - a banana or something. Warm up with an extra jersey on and don't be afraid to go a bit hard - don't worry but it might be quick early on and it pays to have warmed up well. Don't overdress for the race. Even if you are a little cold on the start line, you will soon warm up.

At some point in the race, maybe early on, you might think "I can't do this". If so, stick with the pace for as long as you can. There's no shame in being dropped but don't give up. Races usually calm down a bit so stick with it and you will be OK. If you do get dropped, finish the race at a good pace. If other groups come up to you, try to hang with them for as long as you can.

Remember to drink regularly.

If you are in a club, you should know about pace lines and up and overs. If you're strong enough, do your share of the work. If you're not, don't get in anyone's way and hang at the back.

You might be stronger than you think. People often start off in groups that are a bit below their ability. If the handicapper has got it wrong, make the most of it and don't be afraid to take your chance.

Finally, enjoy it. The thrill of it is unbelievable when you start off. I hope it's the start of a long and happy racing career.

doozerie

Not specifically race advice, more general group cycling advice really, but don't focus entirely on the wheel/bike in front of you. Watch the rider in front of them instead, that means you'll often spot a cause for the rider in front of you swerving or braking before they actually do it.

Hmmzis

Arrive well in advance for sign-on
Stay upright
Check shoulder before moving from your line
Use brakes sparingly and gently (unless it's an emergency)
Warm up
Keep an equal distance to riders left and right when cornering.
Have fun!

837897

Well guys followed your advice and it proved sound😀 If I wasn't hooked on cycling before I definitely am now. Thanks again for the advice, invaluable. 😉