First Timer Guide - Cycle

First Timers Activity Wales Events

If you've never entered a Sportive before – DON’T WORRY! We have years of experience and are happy to help you in any way we can. We have devised a list of helpful tips to get you going from how to enter to a very detailed race day checklist and some tips on training.

Signing Up

Step 1. Visit the Activity Wales Events website

Step 2. Pick an event so you have had enough time to train for it. We advise giving yourself 3 months.

Step 3. Find a race labelled as a “Sportive.” We normally have a couple of different distances and choose one that will be achievable for yourself.

Step 4. Choose a race! Now put all your details into the system and sign up. Now put your credit card away and the hardest part is done! Congratulations you are all signed up!!

Now that you have a solid date on the calendar, let’s get started.

Race Day Checklist

At Activity Wales Events we know that those pre-race jitters can get the better of you, so it’s important to stay calm and make sure you’re fully prepared in order to minimise those nerves. Whether you live just around the corner, or on the other side of the world, here’s a comprehensive list of absolutely everything you’ll need before, during, and after your race; along with some useful extras to guarantee a positive experience.

Pre-race

Race confirmation
Race pack (released two weeks before the race)
Photo ID
Signed disclaimer (You will have done this online when you registered)
Personal insurance
Map & directions to race location & registration (See Website)
Course map & area map
Area guide for restaurants and events (see our website)
Vaseline/anti-chafing lotion
Hat/visor
Sun cream
Lip balm with UV protection
Toiletries including travel-sized first aid kit
Travel alarm
Your usual pre-training breakfast(we recommend not changing your routine for a race – race as you train)

For the Race

Bike– important
Helmet – mandatory
Cycling or triathlon shoes
Socks(e.g. Polyamide/merino wool – we recommend not using cotton)
Gilet/jacket (if necessary)
Sunglasses
Bike computer (optional)
Bike frame bag (repair kit, pump, nutrition, inner tube etc.)
Pump or CO₂Inflation system – frame pump/cartridge & inflator – remember, you are responsible for changing any punctures
Spares– inner tubes, patch kit, tyre levers
Chain lube
Water bottles
Nutrition

Post-race

Extra socks
Compression clothing to aid recovery
Warm, comfortable clothing to minimize illness/injury/chafing
Waterproof jacket
Food for replenishment
Wash gear for cleaning up afterwards – note a wet towel in a bag does a good job if you can’t get to a shower
Towel– your transition towel will most likely be filthy
Ibuprofen to reduce inflammation

Useful extras:

Plastic bags for ice, wet/dirty clothes
First aid kit & insect bite cream
Duct tape
Waterproof permanent parker
Safety Pins(& cable ties to secure race number – race belts are an easier option & available at the expo)
Spray lube(WD40)
Track pump for proper inflation before the race