Things You Should Know Before Your First Bike Race

BY KAYLA BEIRNE

Any avid cycling enthusiast should consider competing against like-minded individuals. These are some things you should know before your first bike race.

Any cycling enthusiast who wants to take their passion to the next level should think about competing in a bike race. However, entering a race for the first time can be incredibly intimidating. If you are thinking about entering a bike race but feel hesitant about pursuing that goal, here are a few things you should know before your first bike race.

Don’t Overeat Beforehand

A common mistake people make before their first race is overeating beforehand. Most people think that you should fill your stomach so that you have enough energy to burn during the race.

However, this leads to feeling bloated or cramping on your bike during the race. You don’t want this to happen, so just eat what you normally would before a bike ride and prepare for your race by focusing on your technique and strategy.

Arrive Sooner Rather Than Later to the Race

Plenty of last-minute items tend to pop up before the race begins, so you will want to arrive early to prepare for these unforeseen events. It could be something as simple as finding parking, but if it takes too long, you could be late for the start of the race. Get there early so you can inflate your tires, top off your water bottle, and locate the aid stations and support vehicles so you can fully prepare for the race ahead.

Maintain a Constant, Steady Speed While You Ride

As the old saying goes, “slow and steady wins the race.” Although your nerves might tempt you to give it all you’ve got as soon as the race begins, this could lead to a false start.

You’re in it for the long haul, so you don’t want to slow down toward the end of the race because you used up all your energy at the beginning. Instead, try to keep a steady pace so that you can kick it into high gear as you get closer to finishing. Also, hydration is critical, and maintaining a constant speed will help you safely drink from your bottle while cycling.

Overall, entering your first bike race might sound complicated, but as long as you know what to expect going into it, your results will speak for themselves. After learning some things you should know before your first bike race, you can look forward to a successful introductory competition.