Cycle race shopping list

A cycle race needs more than bikes and a finish line. This shopping list covers rider identification, course support, bike checks, timing, communications, refreshments and the finish area. Plan quantities from your number of riders, volunteers and course posts rather than buying by guesswork. The items below also help prevent common last-minute problems, such as missing batteries, too few pumps or no way to secure race numbers when riders arrive.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Tablesqty 12
Chairsqty 40
Bar stoolsqty 6
Foldable tablesqty 4
Waste binsqty 8

Sports equipment

Road bikesqty 2
Spare wheelsqty 6
Bike pumpsqty 4
Bike tool kitsqty 3
Bib numbersqty 200
Bib holdersqty 200
Rider vestsqty 20
Finish ribbon
Medalsqty 30
Cupsqty 12
Stage blocksqty 3
Clipboardsqty 10
Stopwatchesqty 6
Binocularsqty 4

Equipment

Laptopqty 2
Printer
Mobile phonesqty 8
Walkie-talkiesqty 12
Sound system
Microphonesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Power banksqty 8
Coolersqty 6

Safety

Traffic conesqty 80
Crowd barriersqty 40
Warning signsqty 25
Reflective vestsqty 20
First aid kitsqty 2
Emergency blanketsqty 10
Nitrile glovesqty 4
Flashlightsqty 8
Fire extinguishersqty 2

Lighting

LED lampsqty 8
String lightsqty 4
Battery lanternsqty 6

Decorations

Bannersqty 8
Flagsqty 20
Balloonsqty 100
Barrier tapeqty 10
Directional signsqty 20

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 250
Reusable platesqty 200
Cutlery setsqty 200
Coffee cupsqty 100
Thermos flasksqty 8

Kitchen

Kettlesqty 3
Cutting boardsqty 4
Bread knivesqty 4
Serving tongsqty 8
Ice packsqty 30

Cleaning

Broom setsqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Bucketsqty 4
Spongesqty 10

Catering

Groceries
- Spa Blauw - 12 bottles
- Spa Rood - 6 bottles
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Iced tea - 6 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Lemons - 10 pieces
- Ice cubes - 15 bags
- Bananas - 10 kilograms
- Apples - 10 kilograms
- Oranges - 8 kilogram
- Grapes - 5 kilograms
- Muesli bars - 250 pieces
- Energy bars - 150 pieces
- Raisins - 100 bags
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Snacks - 6 bags
- Pistolets - 200 pieces
- Whole wheat bread - 12 loaves
- Young cheese - 5 kilogram
- Ham - 3 kilograms
- Chicken breast slices - 3 kilograms
- Hummus - 2 kilograms
- Cucumbers - 20 pieces
- Tomatoes - 5 kilograms
- Lettuce - 8 heads
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Vegetarian snacks - 150 pieces
- Mini sausages - 150 pieces
- Bitterballen - 300 pieces
- Satay sauce - 2 kilograms
- Chili sauce - 2 bottles
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Hand soap - 6 bottles
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 6 packs
- Paper towels - 12 packs

Tips

Prepare one bib number and one bib holder per rider, plus at least 5% spare numbers for damaged or missing entries. Sort them before registration opens so starter groups can collect them quickly.
Allow one traffic vest and one clipboard for every traffic post, then keep two spare vests and clipboards at the start area. Volunteers often arrive without a practical way to hold instructions or identify themselves.
For bike support, provide at least one pump and one tool kit at the start, and place spare wheels where the support team can reach them. Check compatibility and working condition at least one day before the race.
Count communications by location: provide a mobile phone or walkie-talkie for the start, finish, timing point and each staffed course section. Charge all devices overnight and keep power banks available for a full race day.
Bring finish-line supplies in separate crates: medals, cups, the finish ribbon, stopwatches and prize-table materials. Pack extension cords, power strips and spare batteries together so the sound system and timing equipment can be set up without a second shopping trip.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need for a cycle race registration area?: Bring bib numbers, bib holders, clipboards, a laptop, a printer and mobile phones. Prepare one bib and holder per rider, plus around 5% extras, and have the registration setup ready at least 60 minutes before the first start.
How many bike pumps and tool kits do I need for a cycle race?: Use at least one pump and one tool kit at the start, with another set at the finish or a staffed support point on longer courses. Test everything the day before and keep spare wheels with the bike inspection team.
What equipment is needed for cycle race timing?: Provide stopwatches for each timing position, plus clipboards and mobile phones or walkie-talkies for reporting results. Charge timing devices overnight and test them at least 30 minutes before the first group starts.
How much drinking equipment should I buy for a cycle race?: Plan at least one cup per expected drink service for each rider and volunteer, then add 10% for spills and extra use. Put coolers at the start and finish and refill them before the first riders arrive.

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