Cycle race shopping list

A cycle race needs more than bikes and a start line. You will need equipment for route marking, rider numbers, traffic control, repairs, timing, registration and the finish area. This shopping list helps you check the easy-to-forget items before race day, including spare tubes, batteries, extension cords and supplies for volunteers. Quantities depend on the number of riders and route length, but the guidelines below give you a practical starting point.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Foldable tablesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 30
Barrier nettingqty 12
Crowd barriersqty 30

Sports equipment

Traffic conesqty 60
Route arrowsqty 80
Start arch
Finish arch
Bib numbersqty 120
Bib number beltsqty 120
Spare bicyclesqty 2
Bike pumpsqty 4
Bicycle standsqty 8
Tool casesqty 2
Spare inner tubesqty 20
Tire leversqty 6
Bike chain oilqty 2
Safety vestsqty 20
Whistlesqty 12
Stopwatchesqty 4
Medal ribbonsqty 12
Trophiesqty 6

Equipment

PA system
Wireless microphonesqty 2
Megaphonesqty 4
Walkie-talkiesqty 12
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Laptop
Printer
Payment terminal

Catering

Coolersqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 6
Water jugsqty 6
Groceries
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 4 boxes
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Milk - 12 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Still water - 18 bottles
- Sparkling water - 12 bottles
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 6 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Sports drink - 80 bottles
- Bananas - 12 kilo
- Apples - 8 kilos
- Grapes - 5 kilos
- Muesli bars - 120 pieces
- Energy gels - 100 pieces
- Raisin buns - 100 pieces
- Whole wheat bread - 12 loaves
- White rolls - 100 pieces
- Wholemeal rolls - 60 pieces
- Sliced cheese - 4 kilos
- Turkey breast - 3 kilos
- Hummus - 2 kilos
- Peanut butter - 2 jars
- Jam - 3 jars
- Butter - 1 kilo
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Herb salt - 1 canister
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Snacks - 4 bags
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Muesli cookies - 4 packs
- Cupcakes - 100 pieces
- Tomato soup - 8 liters
- Vegetable stock - 2 boxes
- Croutons - 4 bags
- Lemons - 2 kilos
- Ice cubes - 20 kilo
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 6 packs
- Hand soap - 6 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 6 bottles

Tableware

Drinking glassesqty 150
Coffee cupsqty 80
Platesqty 100
Cutlery setsqty 100
Serving boardsqty 8

Lighting

LED lampsqty 8
Work lightsqty 4

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 10
Broom setsqty 3
Floor squeegeesqty 2
Bucketsqty 4
First aid kitsqty 3
Fire extinguishersqty 2

Tips

Allow one bib number and one bib number belt per rider, plus at least 10% extra for registration changes, damaged numbers and late entries.
Prepare one fully equipped tool case for each main repair point, with spare inner tubes, tire levers, a pump and chain oil. For a small race, two repair points are a useful minimum.
Use one safety vest and one whistle for every traffic marshal, with at least two spare vests and whistles available on the day.
Place route arrows at every turn and repeat them after complex junctions. Bring roughly 10% more arrows and traffic cones than your route plan requires.
Check power before loading the PA system, wireless microphones, laptop and stopwatches. Pack extension cords, power strips and spare batteries at least one day before the race.

Frequently asked questions

How many spare inner tubes do I need for a cycle race?: For up to 50 riders, pack at least 10 spare inner tubes in the common sizes used by your field. Add 1–2 tubes for every additional 10 riders, and keep them at the main repair point.
How many safety vests are needed for a cycle race?: Buy or borrow one safety vest for every volunteer working at a traffic post, plus at least two spare vests. Confirm the final number after the volunteer roster is complete, no later than one week before the race.
How many route arrows and cones should I buy?: Count every turn and hazard on the finalized route, then add about 10% extra arrows and cones. For a 20-turn route, that means preparing at least 22 arrows, with additional cones wherever riders need visual guidance.
What should I prepare for the finish area?: Plan one finish arch, registration materials, a timing setup, prizes or trophies, medal ribbons, tables and chairs, and shelter if needed. Test the PA system and microphones at least 2 hours before the first riders finish.

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