OK here it is the last of the recon articles. I have given you several pointers on what you need to do to ensure a successful attempt at winning your next road racing event.

This article is going to be a check list! Something you can copy, print or share with your fellow racers. If you feel that I have missed something or you have different experiences by all means tell us about it and leave comments.

1 Week Before the race

• Confirm with your spouse/family/parents that you indeed will be racing at X race on X day
• Pre-Register for the race (You may need to do this as soon as your race opens for pre-registration)
• See who else has registered for the race
• Check the 7 day forecast (After Registering) Road Racers RACE in all weather!
• Tune up the bike today and fix problems now!
• If this is a priority race then make it a priority to sleep, eat and train like its a priority race
• Find out which teammates are going and who may want to share a ride
• Do not eat 3 hours before going to bed

5 Days before the race

• Check race registration to see who else has registered
• Check with teammates again on who is and is not going with you
• Check weather again
• Look up the race route on Google Earth or bikely.com and look at elevations
• Make a trip out to the race course and ride the course (Preferable) or drive the course
• Make sure you will have a complete clean uniform (Kit)
• Clean bike
• What items are you taking with you the day of the race out side your normal training day?
• Get race day items gathered up in one place
• Get to bed early (9-10 hours of sleep is preferred)
• Drink up to 2 liters of water a day
• Diet should primarily consist of good carbs and lite on the protein
• Do not eat 3 hours before going to bed

3 Days before the race

• Check race registration to see who else has registered
• Check weather again
• If riding a longer road course take notice of all major elevation changes and right down the mileage when they occur
• Tape a small elevation change cue sheet to your top tube or stem where you can see it
• Clean and lube your drive train
• DO NOT MAKE ANY MECHANICAL CHANGES TO YOUR BIKE!
• Go through your race day items (Do you really have everything?)
• Get to bed early (9-10 hours of sleep is preferred)
• Drink up to 2 liters of water a day
• Diet should now be almost all good carbs
• Do not eat 3 hours before going to bed

2 Days before the race

• Check weather again
• DO NOT MAKE ANY MECHANICAL CHANGES TO YOUR BIKE!
• Go through your race day items (Do you really have everything?)
• Get to bed early (9-10 hours of sleep is preferred)
• Drink up to 2 liters of water a day
• Diet should now be almost all good carbs
• Have you started to mentally go over how you are going to race this race?
• Has your team decided who is the race leader and what roles you and your teammates will fill?
• Gather up any food stuffs and fluids you may need the day of the race
• If you are going to take a rest day this week make it today (Stay off the bike or just lightly spin)
• Do not eat 3 hours before going to bed

1 Day before the race

• Check weather again
• DO NOT MAKE ANY MECHANICAL CHANGES TO YOUR BIKE!
• Pack your race day items and put them and your bike in your vehicle. (hold off on the bike if you do not have a garage)
• Get to bed early (9-10 hours of sleep is preferred)
• Drink up to 2 liters of water a day
• Diet should now be all good carbs
• You should now have a mental visualization of how you are going to race this race?
• Do not rest today – Get out on the bike for 45 minutes – hour and ride a moderate pace and throw in 2-3 one minute efforts
• Shower and shave before going to bed
• Do not eat 3 hours before going to bed

Morning of the race

• Check weather one last time (Make sure you have packed appropriately for the weather!)
• DO NOT MAKE ANY MECHANICAL CHANGES TO YOUR BIKE!
• Pack your bike in your vehicle if you did not the night before
• Drink 2-3 cups of coffee (If you like Coffee, who doesn’t)
• Bathroom time dealing with Race Day Jitters (If you suffer like most of us)
• Start drinking your favorite sports drink
• You should eat your breakfast 3 hours before the start of the race
• Do not shave face or legs day of a race (Superstitions and sweat irritation)
• Leave your home with enough time to get to the race course with 2 hours to spare!

2 Hours before the race

• DO NOT MAKE ANY MECHANICAL CHANGES TO YOUR BIKE!
• Drink some more sports drink
• Pick up number at registration
• Dress for the race and pin your number on (Did you know its against USA Cycling rules to wrinkle your number?)
• Make sure you have enough fluids and in ride nutrition to get you through your race or to the feed zone
• Either hit the road to warm up with your teammates or set up your trainer next to theirs
• Go over racing plans one more time with your teammates

15 minutes before the race

• DO NOT MAKE ANY MECHANICAL CHANGES TO YOUR BIKE!
• Drink some more sports drink
• Breathe deeply and make your way to the start/finish line
• Make sure your helmet is fastened (USAC Officials will give you grief if its not)
• Listen closely to the race promoter and officials about course notices and rules.
• Take anything you hear about the course from a competitor with a grain of salt
• If you are so inclined say a little prayer
• Wait for the gun/whistle
• Clip in and go

After the Race

• Drink some more sports drink
• Breathe deeply and safely make your way through the course one or more times to work the “Junk” out of your legs
• Meet with teammates to compare notes
• Get changed out of uniform ASAP!
• Drink some more fluids (Coke, Carb Drink, Water)
• Make sure you have all your stuff packed and ready to go
• Go celebrate with your team and or family You Just finished a/another race!!!

Remember knowledge is power – Prepare to Race Smart

Part 1, Part 2