Cycling Race Day Tips

1. Be prepared. Whatever your race distance, you will sleep better and be calmer on race morning if you have your gear ready to go on race morning. Have a checklist for everything you will need.

2. Have a well-practised and structured race/event plan that includes Race/Event Pacing and Race/Event Nutrition.

3. Arrive early enough to allow for all that you need to do on race morning. Allow time for parking, bib collection and toilet queues and the unexpected.

4. Do your last-minute checks on your bike.

5. If you have planned a warm-up do this about 15-20 minutes before the race. Generally, the longer the race, the shorter the warm-up. And the higher your goals and race intensity, the more your warm-up matters.

6. You may be chasing a PR/PB; however, there are many factors you cannot control (such as weather and mechanicals). Stick with your race strategy, and don’t let factors out of your control ruin your day. You have put months of hard work into getting here; make sure you enjoy it, even if things don’t go as planned.

7. Position yourself on the start line according to your ability and strengths. Have a plan for this, don't make it up on race day. Look at the course and visualise the first few turns. Stick to your race plan.

8. Break up your race into bite-sized chunks and mentally tick off each section en-route.

9. Use positive self-talk to override negative thoughts. Staying mentally tough, confident and focused on your goal will keep you moving forwards when the going gets tough. Concentrate on the process, hold good form and choose targets up ahead. 

10. Enjoy the finish line, however your race went you will have learnt something new about yourself. Thank the volunteers and congratulate your fellow athletes. 

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