What you need for a downhill competition

A downhill competition needs more than bikes and a marked start and finish. This shopping list covers course marking, rider identification, timing, communication, crowd control, and basic bike repairs. Check quantities against your number of riders, starter groups, marshals, and spectators before ordering. Some items, such as bib numbers, number bands, cable ties, and spare inner tubes, are easy to overlook until the course is being set up.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Foldable tablesqty 10
Folding chairsqty 40
Beer tablesqty 6
Waste binsqty 8

Sports equipment

Starting gatesqty 2
Finish arch
Course tapeqty 12
Crowd control barriersqty 40
Conesqty 50
Marker flagsqty 30
Directional arrowsqty 25
Track matsqty 12
Bib numbersqty 150
Number bandsqty 150
Stage blocksqty 3
Race ribbonsqty 12
Spare bicyclesqty 2
Bike pumpsqty 4
Tool casesqty 3
Bicycle standsqty 6
Spare inner tubesqty 20
Cable tiesqty 300
Work glovesqty 20

Equipment

Time registration system
Laptopqty 2
Tabletsqty 4
Walkie-talkiesqty 16
Megaphonesqty 3
Speakersqty 2
Microphoneqty 2
Extension cordsqty 8
Power stripsqty 8
Power banksqty 10
Batteriesqty 40

Lighting

Work lightsqty 6
String lightsqty 4

Safety

First aid kitsqty 3
Emergency blanketsqty 20
Safety vestsqty 25
Safety helmetsqty 8
Fire extinguishersqty 3

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 250
Platesqty 150
Cutlery setsqty 150
Coffee cupsqty 100

Kitchen

Coolersqty 8
Thermos flasksqty 6
Kettlesqty 3
Pitchersqty 6
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving utensilsqty 12
Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef’s knives and bread knivesqty 6
Food warmersqty 4

Decorations

Stage drapesqty 3
Buntingqty 10
Sponsor bannersqty 12
Information boardsqty 8

Catering

Groceries
- Spa Blauw - 300 bottles
- Spa Red - 80 bottles
- Cola - 40 bottles
- Coca-Cola Zero - 40 bottles
- Orange soda - 30 bottles
- Iced tea - 30 bottles
- Sports drink - 120 bottles
- Alcohol-free beer - 60 bottles
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Mints - 1 box
- Stirrers - 300 pieces
- Whole wheat bread - 12 loaves
- White rolls - 150 pieces
- Vegan sandwiches - 30 pieces
- Young cheese - 5 kilos
- Ham - 4 kilos
- Chicken breast - 3 kilo
- Vegan toppings - 3 kilos
- Hummus - 12 tubs
- Butter - 2 kilos
- Cucumber - 12 pieces
- Tomatoes - 5 kilos
- Lettuce - 8 heads
- Apples - 150 pieces
- Bananas - 100 pieces
- Grapes - 10 kilos
- Muesli bars - 200 pieces
- Energy gels - 150 pieces
- Paprika chips - 12 bags
- Plain chips - 12 bags
- Snacks - 8 bags
- Mayonnaise - 3 bottles
- Ketchup - 3 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Olive oil - 1 bottle
- Peanut butter - 3 jars
- Jam - 3 jars
- Cookies - 10 packs
- Ice cubes - 30 kilo
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Cleaning product - 4 bottles
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- Disinfectant wipes - 6 packs
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Hand soap - 6 bottles
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Bandages - 6 boxes
- Sterile gauze pads - 6 boxes
- Disinfectant - 4 bottles
- Nitrile gloves - 10 boxes
- Fever and pain relief - 2 boxes

Tips

Order bib numbers and number bands for every registered rider, plus at least 10% extra for late changes, damaged numbers, or replacements. Keep the final participant list with the spare set.
Plan one walkie-talkie for each key course position and keep at least two spare units available. Use the megaphone for the rider briefing and speakers only where announcements need to reach a larger area.
Bring course tape, cones, marker flags, and directional arrows in quantities that allow for a second course check. Wind, passing riders, and vehicle access can loosen or move signs before the first start.
Set aside a repair point with bike pumps, tool cases, work gloves, spare bicycles, and spare inner tubes. Keep cable ties there as well; they are useful for quick fixes to signs, barriers, and loose equipment.
Do not leave crowd control and weather cover until race morning. Prepare barriers, track mats, party tents, tables, chairs, waste bins, and bicycle stands early enough to adjust the layout after inspecting the course.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for a downhill competition?: You need course-marking equipment, starting and finishing structures, rider numbers, timing equipment, communication devices, barriers, and basic repair supplies. For a small event, check that every course section has signs or markers and that each key official has a way to communicate.
How many spare bib numbers should I order?: Order one bib number for every registered rider and add at least 10% spare numbers. If you expect 100 riders, prepare at least 110 bib numbers and matching number bands.
How many walkie-talkies are needed for a downhill race?: Provide one walkie-talkie for each important course position, including the starter, finish area, timing team, and safety or security leads. Keep two spare units available so one failure does not interrupt communication.
What bike repair supplies should I bring to a downhill competition?: Bring at least one bike pump, one tool case, work gloves, spare inner tubes, cable ties, and access to spare bicycles. For larger fields, prepare a dedicated repair point and check supplies again after registration closes.

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