How to organise a team pursuit from start to finish

A team pursuit needs more than a track and a start list. Set the competition format first, then secure the date and venue, confirm permissions and insurance, and build the volunteer and officials’ structure around the race schedule. Registrations, medical cover and timing equipment should be settled before you order supplies. In the final week, check every participant detail, test the timing system, charge batteries and inspect the course before competitors arrive.

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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 competition format
2 people
2
Reserve date and track
3
Check permits
4
Check insurance
5
Draw up competition rules
2 people
6
Send invitations
2 people
7
Process registrations
8
Collect dietary requirements
9
Record officials and jury
2 people
10
Arrange medical support
11
Recruit volunteers
2 people
12
Assign volunteers
2 people
13
Prepare the start list
2 people
14
Publish start list
15
Check participant details
2 people
16
Print the competition schedule
17
Order groceries
18
Pick up groceries
2 people
19
Chill drinks
2 people
20
Check materials
2 people
21
Test timing equipment
2 people
22
Charge batteries
23
Inspect the site
2 people
24
Clean the course
4 people
25
Cordon off the audience area
4 people
26
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
27
Set up the registration table
2 people
28
Set up judges' table
2 people
29
Place start and finish markers
3 people
30
Place cones and barriers
4 people
31
Set out race numbers
2 people
32
Set up the supply station
2 people
33
Build the catering buffet
3 people
34
Set out coffee and tea
2 people
35
Give volunteer briefing
2 people
36
Brief officials
2 people

Event

37
Receive participants
3 people
38
Check off registrations
2 people
39
Hand out race numbers
2 people
40
Explain the course and safety rules
2 people
41
Lead the warm-up
2 people
42
Conduct practice starts
3 people
43
Support race heats
5 people
44
Record times
2 people
45
Announce the heats
46
Monitor safety along the course
4 people
47
Guide participants to the start
2 people
48
Check bicycles and equipment
2 people
49
Serve coffee and tea
2 people
50
Serve snacks
2 people
51
Refill drinks
2 people
52
Empty trash bins
2 people
53
Check results
2 people
54
Prepare awards ceremony
2 people
55
Handle prize ceremony
3 people
56
Publish final results
57
See participants off
2 people

Aftercare

58
Clear the lane
4 people
59
Gather competition materials
4 people
60
Clean up catering
3 people
61
Wash dishes
3 people
62
Clear tables and chairs
4 people
63
Sort and remove waste
3 people
64
Clean the grounds
4 people
65
Return borrowed materials
2 people
66
Store leftover stock
2 people
67
Send results and photos
68
Archive registration details

What to bring

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

Furniture

Foldable tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 40
High tablesqty 4
Tableclothsqty 8
Crowd control barriersqty 24
Coat racksqty 2

Sports equipment

Bib numbersqty 80
Bib holdersqty 40
Conesqty 30
Course marking tapeqty 6
Training bibsqty 20
Spare bike pumpsqty 4
Tire leversqty 8
Bike tool kitsqty 3
Spare inner tubesqty 12
Bicycle standsqty 12

Equipment

Electronic timekeeping
Stopwatchesqty 4
Laptopqty 2
Tabletsqty 3
Printer
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Megaphoneqty 2
Walkie-talkiesqty 8
Charging stationsqty 3
Mobile photo cameraqty 2
Spare batteriesqty 12

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 120
Coffee cupsqty 50
Platesqty 80
Cutlery setsqty 80
Serving plattersqty 12
Pouring jugsqty 8

Kitchen

Coolersqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 6
Coffee machinesqty 3
Kettlesqty 2
Cutting boardsqty 4
Kitchen knivesqty 4
Serving tongsqty 6
Ice packsqty 24

Decorations

Buntingqty 8
Country flagsqty 12
Start sign
Finish sign
Stage blocksqty 3
Medal ribbonsqty 12

Lighting

LED work lightsqty 6
Cable matsqty 8

Cleaning

Broom setsqty 4
Floor squeegeesqty 2
Bucketsqty 4
Microfiber clothsqty 20
Waste binsqty 8
Glovesqty 12

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Set the format before opening registration. Define team size, heats, start intervals, qualifying rules and how results will be decided, then use those rules consistently in the invitations and schedule.
Work backwards from race day. Publish the start list only after checking names and details, and print the final competition schedule early enough for officials, volunteers and riders to review it.
Treat timing as a separate technical check. Test the electronic timekeeping, stopwatches, laptop and tablets together, and keep charged batteries and a backup timing method ready before the first heat.
Assign volunteers to specific posts rather than recruiting a general pool. Cover registration, course access, rider flow, timing support and communications, using walkie-talkies where the track makes coordination difficult.
Finish the venue check before setup is complete. Clean and mark the course, place barriers around the audience area, check power connections and charging stations, and confirm medical support before riders warm up.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise a team pursuit?: Start securing the date, track, permits and insurance at least 8 to 12 weeks before the event. Open registration only after the format and competition rules are clear.
When should I publish the team pursuit start list?: Publish a provisional start list after registrations close and participant details have been checked. Aim to release the final version at least 24 hours before the first start, then print copies for race control.
How many volunteers are needed for a team pursuit?: Plan separate cover for registration, course access, timing, rider staging, communications and general site support. For a small event, start with at least 6 to 8 volunteers and add people when heats overlap.
When should I test the timing equipment?: Run a full test 1 to 2 days before the event, including the electronic system, stopwatches, laptop, tablets and power supplies. Repeat a short operational check on race morning before the first heat.

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.