What to Buy for a Classic Cycling Race

A classic cycling race needs more than bib numbers and route arrows. You will also need a practical start and finish setup, drinks service, rider-pack supplies, volunteer equipment and backup items for changing weather. Use the quantities below as a planning baseline, then adjust them to your rider count, route length and number of volunteers. Buy disposable or consumable items early, and check borrowed equipment two to three days before race day.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Tablesqty 10
Chairsqty 40
Bar stoolsqty 6
Bicycle barriersqty 12
Clothes racksqty 2

Tableware

Reusable drinking glassesqty 180
Coffee cupsqty 80
Platesqty 180
Forksqty 180
Knivesqty 180
Spoonsqty 100
Serving traysqty 10

Equipment

Coolersqty 8
Coffee machinesqty 3
Kettlesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Megaphone
Walkie-talkiesqty 10
Phone chargersqty 4

Sports equipment

Bib numbersqty 180
Bib holdersqty 180
Conesqty 30
Route arrowsqty 80
Route signsqty 25
Barrier tapeqty 12
Traffic conesqty 30
Reflective vestsqty 25
Bike pumpsqty 4
Bike multi-toolsqty 4
Spare inner tubesqty 20
Bicycle standsqty 6
Medal ribbonsqty 180
Commemorative medalsqty 180
Route mapsqty 180
Wristbandsqty 180
Clipboardsqty 12
Ballpoint pensqty 30
Waterproof markersqty 12
Prizesqty 6
Information boardsqty 8

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef’s knives and bread knivesqty 6
Pliersqty 6
Small bowlsqty 20
Thermos flasksqty 8
Cool bagsqty 12

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 12
Broom setsqty 3
Mopsqty 4
Bucketsqty 4
Hand soap dispensersqty 4
Towel dispensersqty 4
Toilet brushesqty 3
First aid kitsqty 3
Disposable glovesqty 4

Lighting

LED lampsqty 8
Battery lanternsqty 6
Batteriesqty 24

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Tea selection - 200 bags
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Sweeteners - 200 pieces
- Milk - 12 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Cola - 24 bottles
- Coke Zero - 24 bottles
- Sinas - 18 bottles
- Ice tea - 18 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 180 bottles
- Spa Red - 48 bottles
- Isotonic sports drink - 120 bottles
- Alcohol-free beer - 48 bottles
- Beer - 96 bottles
- White wine - 12 bottles
- Red wine - 6 bottles
- Apple juice - 12 liters
- Orange juice - 12 liters
- Ice cubes - 20 kilo
- Bananas - 180 pieces
- Apples - 180 pieces
- Oranges - 100 pieces
- Grapes - 12 kilos
- Muesli bars - 240 pieces
- Energy bars - 180 pieces
- Raisins - 8 kilos
- Raisin buns - 180 pieces
- Whole wheat bread - 12 loaves
- White rolls - 180 pieces
- Wholemeal rolls - 120 pieces
- Croissants - 100 pieces
- Unsalted butter - 2 kilos
- Young cheese - 4 kilos
- Aged cheese - 3 kilos
- Ham - 3 kilos
- Chicken breast slices - 2 kilos
- Hummus - 2 kilos
- Peanut butter - 2 jars
- Jam - 3 jars
- Honey - 2 jars
- Cucumbers - 12 pieces
- Tomatoes - 8 kilo
- Lettuce - 12 heads
- Cherry tomatoes - 6 kilos
- Paprika chips - 12 bags
- Plain chips - 12 bags
- Snacks - 8 bags
- Nut mix - 6 kilos
- Gluten-free rolls - 20 pieces
- Vegan toppings - 12 packages
- Mayonnaise - 2 jars
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Olive oil - 1 liter
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Lemons - 20 pieces
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Coffee filters - 200 pieces
- Stirrers - 300 pieces
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 6 packs
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Freezer bags - 100 pieces
- Paper cups - 300 pieces
- Paper plates - 250 pieces
- Wooden cutlery sets - 200 sets

Tips

Plan two to three drinks per rider for the first hour, then add one drink per rider for each additional hour on the course. Chill the drinks the day before and keep a separate reserve at the finish.
Prepare one bib number, bib holder and starter pack per registered rider, plus at least 5% spare bibs and holders. Print the starting list after registration closes, ideally 24 hours before the event.
For route marking, prepare one arrow or route sign for every junction and decision point, then add 10% spare signs. Pack barrier tape, cones and reflective vests together so volunteers can collect them quickly.
Allow one walkie-talkie for each key team, such as start, finish, route support and traffic coordination, with at least one spare. Bring two phone chargers and a power strip to protect the registration and briefing point from dead batteries.
Set aside a dedicated first-aid supply box and check it before shopping is finished. Test coffee machines, kettles, coolers, extension cords and power strips two days before the race, not on the morning itself.

Frequently asked questions

How many drinks do I need for a classic cycling race?: Use two to three drinks per rider for the first hour and add one more per rider for every extra hour. Buy an additional 10% for volunteers, spills and late arrivals.
How many spare bib numbers should I buy?: Prepare one bib number and one bib holder per registered rider, plus 5% spare. For 100 riders, that means 105 of each.
When should I buy and chill drinks for the race?: Buy shelf-stable drinks at least 3 to 5 days ahead and fresh items 1 to 2 days ahead. Chill the drinks the day before so the coolers are ready at the start and finish.
How many route signs and arrows do I need?: Count every junction and turn on the final route, then add 10% spare signs and arrows. For 40 decision points, prepare at least 44 marked signs or arrows.

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