Cyclocross event checklist

A cyclocross race depends on many small arrangements being ready at the right time. Start with permits, insurance and the course location, then build the race structure around registrations, volunteers, safety and communication. In the final week, confirm the course, jury, first aid team, start lists, race numbers and weather plan. Use this checklist to keep practical details such as barriers, radios, pumps, coolers and payment terminals from becoming last-minute problems.

The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

  • Apply for permits

  • Record the course location

    2 people

  • Check insurance

  • Draw up competition rules

    2 people

  • Send invitations

    2 people

  • Publish registration form

  • Make reservations

  • Confirm sponsors

    2 people

  • Process registrations

    2 people

  • Collect dietary requirements

  • Recruit volunteers

    2 people

  • Set the course definitively

    3 people

  • Check the course for safety

    3 people

  • Distribute traffic plan

  • Arrange contest jury

  • Confirm the first aid team

  • Inform nearby residents

    2 people

  • Prepare start lists

    2 people

  • Prepare race numbers

    2 people

  • Check prizes and medals

  • Check the weather forecast

  • Do the shopping

    3 people

  • Collect materials

    3 people

  • Sort bib numbers

    2 people

  • Fill coolers

    2 people

  • Mark the course

    5 people

  • Set up barriers

    5 people

  • Place arrows and warning signs

    3 people

  • Build the start and finish arch

    4 people

  • Build party tents

    4 people

  • Set up tables and chairs

    3 people

  • Set up registration desk

    2 people

  • Set up the finish and jury post

    2 people

  • Connect power supply

    2 people

  • Test sound system

    2 people

  • Set up the first aid station

    2 people

  • Set up toilets and handwashing station

    2 people

  • Prepare catering

    4 people

  • Brief volunteers

    3 people

  • Hold the jury briefing

    3 people

Event

  • Open registration

    3 people

  • Hand out race numbers

    2 people

  • Check bicycles and equipment

    2 people

  • Check the course one last time

    4 people

  • Guide runners to the start

    2 people

  • Start the competition

    3 people

  • Staff the course checkpoints

    8 people

  • Record rounds and results

    3 people

  • Operate the public address system

  • Serve drinks

    3 people

  • Serve snacks

    2 people

  • Refill drinks

    2 people

  • Empty trash bins

    2 people

  • Provide first aid

    2 people

  • Guide the finish

    3 people

  • Check the result

    2 people

  • Handle prize ceremony

    3 people

  • Support the public program

    3 people

  • Turn on evening lighting

    2 people

  • Serve the last drinks round

    2 people

  • Guide visitors to the exit

    2 people

Aftercare

  • Dismantle the course

    5 people

  • Collect barrier fencing

    4 people

  • Take down tents and furniture

    4 people

  • Clean up catering

    3 people

  • Clear litter from the grounds

    5 people

  • Clean dishes and equipment

    3 people

  • Clean the grounds

    3 people

  • Record damage

    2 people

  • Return materials

    3 people

  • Sort leftovers

    2 people

  • Dispose of waste

    2 people

  • Handle lost property

  • Return rental items

    2 people

  • Publish participant results

  • Send thank-you message

What to bring

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

Furniture

  • Party tentsqty 3
  • Folding tablesqty 10
  • Chairsqty 40
  • Bar stoolsqty 6
  • Dressing room tablesqty 4
  • Coat racksqty 2

Sports equipment

  • Crowd control barriersqty 80
  • Course tapeqty 1200
  • Ground pegsqty 250
  • Direction arrowsqty 35
  • Warning signsqty 12
  • Start and finish arch
  • Bib numbersqty 250
  • Race numbersqty 250
  • Spare bicyclesqty 2
  • Bike pumpsqty 4
  • Bicycle standsqty 12
  • Round board
  • Stopwatchesqty 4
  • Whistlesqty 10

Equipment

  • Mobile sound system
  • Wireless microphonesqty 2
  • Walkie-talkiesqty 12
  • Extension cordsqty 6
  • Power stripsqty 6
  • Generator
  • Coolersqty 6
  • Coffee machinesqty 2
  • Kettlesqty 2
  • Payment terminalsqty 2

Lighting

  • LED work lightsqty 8
  • String lightsqty 6
  • Battery lanternsqty 8

Safety

  • First aid kitsqty 2
  • Fire extinguishersqty 2
  • Safety vestsqty 20
  • Work glovesqty 12
  • Rain ponchosqty 20

Tableware

  • Reusable cupsqty 300
  • Coffee cupsqty 100
  • Platesqty 150
  • Cutlery setsqty 150

Kitchen

  • Food warmersqty 3
  • Pouring jugsqty 6
  • Cutting boardsqty 4
  • Chef’s knives and bread knivesqty 6
  • Serving traysqty 8
  • Tongs and serving spoonsqty 10

Catering

  • Drink dispensersqty 4
  • Thermos flasksqty 6
  • Ice packsqty 24
  • Prize table
  • Groceries

Decorations

  • Buntingqty 12
  • Sponsor bannersqty 10
  • Stage drapesqty 4

Office

  • Clipboardsqty 12
  • Pensqty 40
  • Markersqty 12
  • Notepadsqty 8
  • Printer paperqty 500

Cleaning

  • Waste binsqty 12
  • Litter pickersqty 4
  • Broom setsqty 4
  • Mopsqty 4
  • Bucketsqty 6
  • Toilet brushesqty 4
  • Hand soap dispensersqty 4

Tips

  • Apply for permits and check insurance before publishing the registration form. Confirm the course location at the same time, because access, parking and nearby residents can affect the final route.
  • Set the course definitively at least one day before the race, then walk or ride it for a safety check. Mark turns, hazards and spectator areas with course tape, ground pegs, arrows, warning signs and barriers.
  • Create a volunteer rota with named shifts for course marshals, registration, start and finish, refreshments and cleanup. Give key teams walkie-talkies and test the mobile sound system, microphones and stopwatches before riders arrive.
  • Prepare start lists and race numbers after registrations close, leaving time to sort bib numbers and correct missing information. Keep spare race numbers, a bicycle pump and spare bicycles available at the start area.
  • Check the forecast and buy refreshments no later than the day before. Fill coolers, test coffee machines and kettles, charge payment terminals, and verify extension cords, power strips or the generator before opening the site.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I apply for a cyclocross permit?
Start the permit process at least 8 to 12 weeks before race day. Requirements vary by authority, so allow extra time for traffic plans, insurance documents and course changes.
When should the cyclocross course be marked out?
Set the course definitively at least one day before the event and complete the safety check after marking it. Recheck the route on race morning if weather, construction or overnight access could have changed conditions.
How many volunteers do I need for a cyclocross race?
Plan named cover for every course crossing, registration, start and finish, refreshments, first aid coordination and cleanup. For a small race, begin with about 10 to 15 volunteers and add people for each additional course access point or race wave.
When should I prepare cyclocross race numbers and start lists?
Close or review registrations 2 to 3 days before the race, then prepare the start lists and race numbers. Keep at least 30 minutes before the first start for sorting, corrections and late collection.

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