How to organise a fixie criterium

A fixie criterium needs more than a loop and a start line. Begin with the date and route, then secure permits, insurance and a traffic plan before opening registration. Work backwards from race day so volunteers, first aid, signage and equipment are ready before riders arrive. The most common problems are unclear course control, late safety checks and missing bike-repair supplies.

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The plan, step by step

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

Preparations

1
Set the date and route
2 people
2
Arrange permits and notifications
2 people
3
Check insurance
4
Develop the traffic plan
2 people
5
Prepare safety plan
2 people
6
Recruit volunteers
2 people
7
Publish competition rules
8
Send invitations
2 people
9
Open registration form
10
Process registrations
2 people
11
Collect dietary requirements
12
Assign start numbers
2 people
13
Make reservations
14
Assign traffic controllers
2 people
15
Arrange first aid staffing
16
Check the weather forecast
17
Check the shopping list
2 people
18
Do the shopping
3 people
19
Lay out race bibs and wristbands
2 people
20
Check bicycles and equipment
2 people
21
Chill drinks
2 people
22
Inspect the course in advance
3 people
23
Cordon off the area
6 people
24
Set up traffic signs
4 people
25
Build the start and finish arch
4 people
26
Set up tents
4 people
27
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
28
Set up registration desk
2 people
29
Test technology and timing
3 people
30
Test sound system
2 people
31
Set up catering
3 people
32
Inspect the course thoroughly
4 people
33
Brief volunteers
2 people

Event

34
Register participants
4 people
35
Hand out race numbers
2 people
36
Carry out bike checks
2 people
37
Give the riders briefing
2 people
38
Guide the audience to safe zones
4 people
39
Coordinate the start of the match
4 people
40
Staff the course checkpoints
8 people
41
Record laps and times
3 people
42
Provide audience information
2 people
43
Refill drinks
2 people
44
Serve snacks
3 people
45
Empty trash bins
2 people
46
Guide the finish
4 people
47
Check the result
2 people
48
Present prizes
3 people
49
Support the evening program
3 people
50
Turn on lighting
2 people
51
Final waste check
2 people
52
Ensure visitors leave safely
4 people

Aftercare

53
Secure competition records
2 people
54
Remove the course barriers
6 people
55
Remove traffic signs
4 people
56
Take down tents and furniture
5 people
57
Wash dishes
3 people
58
Clean the grounds
5 people
59
Inventory materials
2 people
60
Return borrowed materials
2 people
61
Store leftovers
2 people
62
Publish photos and results
63
Send thank-you message

What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Foldable tablesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 40
Beer tablesqty 6
Stage sectionsqty 4
Clothes racksqty 2

Sports equipment

Start and finish arch
Crowd barriersqty 40
Traffic conesqty 60
Course tapeqty 6
Conesqty 30
Round signsqty 10
Spare bike pumpsqty 3
Bike tool kitsqty 2
Bicycle standsqty 20
Spare inner tubesqty 12
Spare clipboardsqty 8
Cable tiesqty 200
Cable tie cuttersqty 2

Equipment

Sound system
Microphonesqty 2
Speaker standsqty 2
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Timing clocksqty 3
Stopwatchesqty 6
Walkie-talkiesqty 10
Power banksqty 6

Lighting

LED lampsqty 12
String lightsqty 6
Work lightsqty 4

Decorations

Bib numbersqty 150
Wristbandsqty 180
Sponsor bannersqty 8
Flagsqty 20
Directional signsqty 12
Whiteboardqty 2
Markersqty 12

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 250
Coffee cupsqty 80
Platesqty 150
Cutlery setsqty 150
Serving plattersqty 12
Pitchersqty 6

Kitchen

Coolersqty 8
Thermos flasksqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef’s knives and bread knivesqty 6
Pliersqty 6
Ice packsqty 30
Kettlesqty 2
Corkscrewsqty 3

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 12
Broom setsqty 4
Floor squeegeesqty 2
Cleaning bucketsqty 4
Washing-up tubsqty 4
Hand sanitizer dispensersqty 6
First aid kitsqty 2
Flashlightsqty 6

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Choose the route before publishing the event. Walk or ride the full course in advance and mark every junction, narrow section and potential conflict point for the traffic plan.
Finish permits, notifications, insurance and the safety plan before sending invitations. Build in at least 4 weeks for approvals and changes, especially if public roads are involved.
Recruit and brief volunteers with fixed posts and arrival times. Assign traffic controllers, first aid staff and radio users before registration closes, then share a simple course map with everyone.
Close registration early enough to process entries, dietary requirements and start numbers. A deadline 7 days before the race gives you time to print bibs and wristbands and correct missing information.
Treat setup as a timed operation: cordon off the course, place signs, build the start and finish arch, check the sound system and test timing equipment before riders are called to the line. Keep pumps, tools and spare inner tubes at the course base.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise a fixie criterium?: Start planning at least 8 to 12 weeks before race day. Aim to have the route, permits, notifications, insurance and safety plan settled 4 weeks before the event, leaving time for changes.
When should registration close for a fixie criterium?: Close registration about 7 days before the race. This leaves enough time to process entries, assign start numbers, confirm dietary requirements and prepare race bibs and wristbands.
How many volunteers do I need for a fixie criterium?: The number depends on the route, but plan for at least one trained traffic controller at every road crossing or conflict point, plus a separate first aid team and a small setup crew. Confirm all posts and arrival times at least 3 days before the event.
What should I check on race day before riders start?: Inspect the full course, verify barriers, cones and signs, test radios and timing clocks, and check the start and finish area before opening rider check-in. Complete these checks at least 60 minutes before the first start so there is time to fix problems.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.