What to Buy for a Cycle Race

A cycle race needs more than bikes and a finish line. Your shopping list has to cover course marking, rider identification, timing, repairs, hydration, communications and the start and finish area. Plan supplies around the number of participants, volunteers and course posts, then add spares for items that can be lost or damaged. The items below help you prepare race day without discovering at the last minute that you are short of cones, chargers, cups or inner tubes.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Tablesqty 10
Chairsqty 40
High tablesqty 4
Waste binsqty 8
Stage sectionsqty 4

Sports equipment

Bib numbersqty 150
Race numbersqty 150
Conesqty 40
Crowd control barriersqty 80
Traffic conesqty 40
Course ribbonqty 12
Finish arch
Bike pumpsqty 4
Spare inner tubesqty 20
Bike tool kitsqty 3
Water bottle cratesqty 8
Stage cupsqty 3

Equipment

Stopwatchesqty 6
Timing set
Laptopqty 2
Tabletsqty 4
Walkie-talkiesqty 12
Mobile chargersqty 8
Sound system
Microphonesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 8
Power stripsqty 6
Mobile power generatorsqty 2

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 250
Coffee cupsqty 80
Platesqty 120
Cutlery setsqty 120
Serving jugsqty 8
Thermos flasksqty 6

Kitchen

Coolersqty 8
Coolersqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 6
Chef’s knives and bread knivesqty 6
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving tongsqty 8
Corkscrewqty 2

Decorations

Competition flagsqty 12
Sponsor bannersqty 10
Direction arrowsqty 30
Information boardsqty 12

Lighting

LED lampsqty 10
Battery lanternsqty 8

Safety

First aid kitsqty 3
Emergency blanketsqty 20
Disposable glovesqty 100
Safety vestsqty 20
Flashlightsqty 12
Fire extinguishersqty 2

Promotion

Prizesqty 15
Medal ribbonsqty 15
Certificatesqty 150
Pen setsqty 20
Clipboard setsqty 10

Cleaning

Broom setsqty 4
Dustpansqty 4
Mopsqty 4
Bucketsqty 4
Litter pickersqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Spa Blauw - 180 bottles
- Spa Red - 60 bottles
- Cola - 24 bottles
- Coke Zero - 24 bottles
- Orange soda - 12 bottles
- Ice tea - 18 bottles
- Apple juice - 12 liters
- Orange juice - 12 liters
- Isotonic sports drink - 100 bottles
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Tea - 3 boxes
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Sweeteners - 2 boxes
- Milk - 12 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Lemons - 2 kilos
- Bananas - 8 kilos
- Apples - 8 kilos
- Mandarins - 5 kilos
- Grapes - 5 kilos
- Muesli bars - 150 pieces
- Energy gels - 100 pieces
- Raisins - 3 kilos
- Currant buns - 150 pieces
- Whole wheat bread - 12 loaves
- White rolls - 150 pieces
- Multigrain rolls - 75 pieces
- Kaiser rolls - 75 pieces
- Unsalted butter - 2 kilos
- Margarine - 2 tubs
- Young cheese - 5 kilos
- Sliced chicken breast - 4 kilos
- Ham - 3 kilos
- Hummus - 2 kilos
- Peanut butter - 3 jars
- Apple syrup - 2 jars
- Jam - 3 jars
- Cucumbers - 10 pieces
- Tomatoes - 5 kilos
- Lettuce - 10 heads
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Snacks - 6 bags
- Herb butter - 2 kilo
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Vegetarian wraps - 40 pieces
- Vegan spread - 2 kilos
- Gluten-free sandwiches - 12 pieces
- Lactose-free milk - 4 liters
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Brownies - 80 pieces
- Ice lollies - 100 pieces
- Coffee filters - 2 packs
- Stirrers - 300 pieces
- Paper napkins - 500 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Dish soap - 4 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 4 bottles
- Disinfecting wipes - 8 packs
- Hand soap - 6 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 8 bottles
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- Paper towels - 8 packs
- Crates of mineral water - 8 crates
- Cable ties - 500 pieces
- Duct tape - 8 rolls
- Highlighters - 20 pieces
- Ballpoint pens - 30 pieces

Tips

Give each rider one bib number and one race number, then keep at least 5% extra for replacements, damaged prints and late registrations.
For every staffed traffic post, provide a walkie-talkie or another agreed communication method. Charge all devices the evening before and bring at least 2 spare mobile chargers.
Set out enough cones and course ribbon to mark every turn, hazard and restricted section. Keep a separate reserve at the start area so volunteers can replace moved or damaged markers quickly.
Plan hydration by race duration and weather: prepare at least 2 drinks per rider for a short race, plus extra water for volunteers and officials. Use crates and reusable or stage cups that can be handled quickly.
Keep one bike pump, one tool kit and several spare inner tubes at the start or finish area, with a volunteer assigned to them. Test the timing set, stopwatches, laptop, tablets and sound system before participants arrive.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need to buy for a cycle race?: Prepare rider numbers, cones, traffic cones, course ribbon, crowd barriers and a finish arch for the route and finish area. You also need timing equipment, walkie-talkies, a laptop or tablets, bike repair supplies, water, cups, power equipment and basic furniture.
How many race numbers should I order?: Order one bib number and one race number per registered rider, plus at least 5% extra. For 100 riders, that means 105 of each number so you can replace missing or damaged numbers.
How much water do I need for a cycle race?: For a short race, start with 2 drinks per rider and add water for volunteers, judges and support staff. For 100 riders and 20 staff, prepare at least 240 drinks, then increase the amount if the forecast is hot or the race lasts several hours.
When should I test the race equipment?: Test the timing set, stopwatches, laptop, tablets, microphones, sound system and walkie-talkies at least 24 hours before the race. Charge mobile devices overnight and check extension cords, power strips and generators before setup begins.

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