Race Day Routine
Your training has prepared you mentally and physically for competition and gives you confidence on race day. The next step is to have consistent race day routine that will help you avoid distractions and keep you focused at the race venue. I have seen riders show up at races missing important equipment or their favorite pre race nutritional snack and have it really mess up their day. Who needs the distraction when it can be avoided?
Consistent planning will give you confidence and ensure that you have everything you need to have a good day. Having a plan and routine for every type of venue is important. Give some thought to what is needed at different venues and make sure you have the equipment and supplies you need to make your time at the race venue more organized.
The more details you cover the smoother your day will go. Make a race day check list and keep it in your gear bag. When you are getting ready for the weekend races take the list out and use it to make sure you have everything in order. Once you get to the venue the following suggestions will help you get ready in an organized manner and race your best.
This is a very generic routine but you can use it as a template to build your own personal routine for different race venues. Practice this routine, especially your warm-up, in training as much as possible. Run through your routine in your head and try to make this as routine as possible. The less you have to worry about the more you can concentrate on the racing.
If you are at a large venue, say a Norba NCS race, stay off your feet as much as possible and ride you bike everywhere you need to go. Walking around makes you legs tired and wastes valuable energy.
So, once you have parked your car at the venue…
Locate registration, check in and get your race number.
Locate the start/finish area
Check that the races are starting on time
Check that the start times have not changed
Locate the wheel pit (for crits) or support vehicles (for road races)
Determine if there is “Neutral Support” or “Wheels In Wheels Out”
If the race provides neutral support make sure the mechanics have spares that will work on your bike.
Locate the porta-potties
Return to your car and…
Prepare your extra wheels
Check air pressure, AGAIN
Check tires for cuts or damage, AGAIN
Mark pit wheels with your name and race number and take then to the pit area
Organize your race bottles and/or race food
Pin on your race number
Meet with teammates to discuss the race plan
Schedule your warm to finish 10-15 minutes before the start of your race
Make any adjustments to your clothing and grab you bottles and race food
Head to the staging area