2. FIRST THINGS FIRST
So, you have been riding for a while now but somehow got that competitive bug in
you? Before you hop on your bike and join the Tour de France, here are a few tips on
how to prepare for your first official race.
3. WATCH OUT FOR THIS
Some key elements to watch for while preparing your competition are:
• Rest: As we said in previous posts, resting is as important as training. Try two rest
days per week while performing hard workouts throughout the entire week
(Mondays and Fridays for example).
• Race Intensity: Train specifically for the competition, if it’s long, short, time trial, etc.
and train accordingly to get the best results.
• Race Course: get to know the course and if possible ride it before the race, identify
hard climbs or turns and the zones that require most effort and plan your strategy.
• Group Rides: try to join as many group rides as you can, this will give you experience
and training for the possible scenarios in the race (sprints, breakaways, etc).
4. THE DAY BEFORE THE RACE
• A good idea is to get everything ready, so the race day you don’t have to worry
about anything else. Make sure your bike maintenance is complete, clean and test
everything.
• Have your energy foods, gel, equipment, water organized and ready to go.
• Regarding food, you should eat what you normally eat before a ride, don’t try
anything weird as it can be counter producing.
• Be sure to print and plan your route to the start line and the race course, you should
be able to get there completely ready to race at leas half an hour before the start
time.
• Do a little practice race to get your body and muscles loose and ready for the race,
do not rest out entirely the day before the race.
5. RACE DAY
• Have a good breakfast about 3 hours before the start race. Again, nothing too
massive or out of your routine.
• Check for the weather forecast and take appropriate clothes (cold, rain, wind, etc.)
• Be sure to carry your ID and your race license, sign up as soon as you get to the race
so you have your number and be ready to start stretching and warming up.
• If this is your very first race your goal is not necessarily winning, but get the hang of
it. Positioning, knowing your strengths and weaknesses, and developing strategy
based on that.
6. • There it is, a few tips for your firsts steps in the racing world, remember experience
plays a mayor role in racing, so don’t get frustrated and learn as much as you can.
Good luck and always remember, the most important thing is… ENJOY!
