Getting Started Bike Racing Tips

        If you’re interested in road racing or mountain bike racing you’ve probably been riding for a while putting many miles under your belt riding for fun and maybe commuting. You’ve been looking for a challenge in you’re ride by making the route more technical. Each ride you’ve been trying to get a faster and faster time. 
        There are many different types of races; track cycling, road races, mountain bike races, BMX and cyclo-cross.  These races are broken up into different formats. The most common is the mass start where everyone starts at the same time in a large group. In a time trial everyone starts individually a few minutes apart from one another. A multi-stage race is a race over many days and each day the racers have a set distance as in the Tour De France.  A Criterium is a race of many loops around a short course, a common format for cyclo-cross. Lastly is the team relay, get as many laps as you can in a time period.
        It’s human nature to have some anxiety when you’re trying something new like bike racing. By following our tips bellow you’ll be prepared to begin any type racing and you’ll have the confidence you’ll need to win and not feel anxiety.

            To race you need to train and eat right so you’ll be in the best physical shape for racing, you’ll also need to see how the race circuit works in your area. Many circuits across the country will print the race schedule in the local cycling magazine or newspaper. Be sure to find the publication for your area and study it. There are different race classes for different ability levels. Mountain bike racing is broken up into beginner, sport, expert & elite or pro class. Road races are divided into a 1 to 5 category. 1 is pro and 5 is beginner. As the racer gets better they will progress to the number 1 category. Some areas may break up the category by age, while others my divide by weight. Whether you’re mountain biking or road racing, these publications will show you how the racing circuit is broken up in your area.
            Talk to others who have race experience in your area. If you don’t know any racers a good way to meet them is by joining a club. There are many clubs listed by state on our site. Many club members are experienced racers and will be happy to tell you what to experience when you begin racing. They’ll also help you with tips on physical training. They may even be going to the same race.
            There is a very good series of books called “The Cyclist’s Training Bible” by Joe Friel. Joe has used his science and experience to help athletes and coaches of all levels.

            Know the location of the race. Is it local, or will you have to travel to where you’ll need a hotel room or camp? Whether or not you have to travel, pack everything the day before the race so you have time for last minute purchases like a tube. Be sure your bike is tuned up, but the few days before a race is not the time to do major over haul. While packing, check the weather forecast so you know what conditions to pack for. Be sure to bring the necessities: helmets, water bottle, money for entry fees, over night gear if necessary, and be sure to pack a change of dry clothes and a towel for after the race. Shoes are also key. If you have more that one bike with different types of clipless pedals make sure you get the right pair of shoes. More that one race has shown up on race day with the wrong pair of shoes and weren’t able to race. Lastly, bring a stationary trainer if you have one so you can warm up before the race.

            If you have any good luck superstitions, like a hockey player not shaving during the playoffs, then go for it, as long as it’s not too weird - no one should be caught sleeping with their bike. Depending on the time of the race you’ll want to load up on carbohydrates for breakfast or dinner the night before if it’s an early race. You shouldn’t eat anything two hours before the start of the race. Riding hard on a full stomach can lead to cramping or worse.
            Arrive to the race area about two hours before it starts so you have enough time to check in, warm up and get whatever instruction the officials are giving.  If there are other races before your event, check out those events to see the course conditions. Make mental notes of areas that give you concern and their landmarks.  Also check out the finish area so you’ll know when to sprint.

            15 Minutes before he race begins you should be warmed up with your water bottle topped off, have gone potty, and waiting in the starting area.  In other words you’re ready. Position is important so as the officials say it’s ok to line up get as close to the front as you can. The race will begin with the phrase “Racers Ready” and then a gunshot or a whistle. Before you get to that point ask the officials if you can start when they say “racers ready” or if you have to wait until the gun shot. Some races will allow you to start at the announcement while at other races that is considered a false start and possible disqualification.
            When the race starts you want to be one of the first ones out. As the race get going keep with the pack. Those who can’t handle the pace will drop back causing gaps, and gaps are very hard to close. Whether on the road or a track avoid having a gap.  Keep the pace line tight so you can draft and conserve energy. Avoid sudden motion, swerving and unnecessary hard braking. Watch for flat tires./ On a Criterium you get a free lap… no such luck on a mountain bike trail. Drink lots of water during the race. It’s important to stay hydrated for your best performance.
            If you have dropped back from the pack, finish the race. Finishing your first race is a great sense of accomplishment. However the officials may not let you finish if you’ve been lapped or another race has started.

            In a Criterium, the lap card will show 1 and a bell will ring to announce the last lap. Mountain road races will have posting when you near the end. At that point sprint if you have it in you. Stay in control. Don’t swerve, causing a crash. Once you’ve finished If you think you’ve placed, make sure the officials have your number. Then leave the officials alone. They will post the results when they’re ready. While you wait you’ll probably want something to eat. They usually have bananas and other goodies.
            After the race is over ask yourself how you did.  Don’t be discouraged if things didn’t go a well as you planned. Watch the other race class events. Talk to other racers. Network. What kind of pointers they can give you? The first race is roughest for most racers. Use what you have learned and apply it to your next race.