A while back I received a request for a blog post about preparing for your first road cycling race. As I’m not a road racer (although I have given it a go) I asked the lovely Dayna Davidson from Southern Cross Cycling Club (SXCC) to put together some tips to help first-time racers. Dayna’s club SXCC from southern Sydney (or ‘The Shire’ as Sydneysiders call it) has a group of very active women racers so it seemed an obvious choice to ask her.
Over to you Dayna…
Competing in your first road cycling race can be both exciting and a bit daunting. I remember all the mixed feelings and emotions as I lined up for my first race. Here are some tips that might help you get ready:
- Train consistently: whether you’re working with a coach or doing it yourself it’s all about building your strength and endurance. Gradually increase your kilometres and intensity leading up to the event, and make sure you incorporate some interval training and hill climbs.
- Get a bike fit to ensure you’re optimising power and reducing the chance of injury.
- Make sure your bike is in good working order. Book in for a bike service at your local bike shop.
- Invest in a good pair of cycling shoes, pedals, saddle, and cycling knicks. Make sure you’ve practiced…
