What you need for an individual time trial

An individual time trial needs more than bikes and a marked course. You will need equipment for rider identification, accurate timing, communication, traffic control and a small finish-area setup. The shopping list covers everything from bib holders and stopwatches to cones, barrier tape and first aid supplies. Check power, weather protection and spare bike equipment early, because these are easy to arrange too late and difficult to replace on event day.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 40
High tablesqty 4
Clothes racksqty 2

Tableware

Reusable drinking cupsqty 100
Platesqty 80
Cutlery setsqty 80
Coffee cupsqty 50

Equipment

Laptop
Printer
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Stopwatchesqty 4
Walkie-talkiesqty 8
Megaphone
Power banksqty 4

Sports equipment

Bib numbersqty 100
Bib holdersqty 100
Spare bicyclesqty 2
Bike pumpsqty 3
Tool casesqty 2
Traffic conesqty 40
Course signsqty 20
Conesqty 20
Rolls of barrier tapeqty 6

Safety

Traffic barriersqty 20
First aid kitsqty 2
Safety vestsqty 15
Emergency blanketsqty 10
Flashlightsqty 6

Organization

Clipboardsqty 8
Ballpoint pensqty 30
Markersqty 10
Printer paperqty 2
Prize money envelopesqty 10

Lighting

Work lightsqty 4

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Cleaning bucketsqty 3
Mopsqty 3

Catering

Coffee machinesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Coolersqty 4
Serving traysqty 6
Water jugsqty 6
Prizes and medalsqty 10
Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 4 boxes
- Sugar - 2 kilograms
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Still mineral water - 12 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 6 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Sports drink lemon - 6 bottles
- Red berry sports drink - 6 bottles
- Sparkling water - 4 bottles
- Ice cubes - 10 bags
- Currant buns - 80 pieces
- Wholemeal bread - 6 loaves
- White rolls - 80 pieces
- Whole wheat rolls - 40 pieces
- Mild cheese - 3 kilograms
- Cooked ham - 2 kilograms
- Hummus - 8 tubs
- Peanut butter - 3 jars
- Jam - 3 jars
- Unsalted butter - 2 packs
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilograms
- Bananas - 8 kilograms
- Apples - 8 kilograms
- Grapes - 4 kilograms
- Muesli bars - 100 pieces
- Energy bars - 80 pieces
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Snacks - 4 bags
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Napkins - 400 pieces
- Paper cups - 200 pieces
- Paper plates - 100 pieces
- Wooden stirrers - 200 pieces
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Hand sanitizer gel - 6 bottles
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Sponges - 10 pieces
- Microfiber cloths - 20 pieces
- Trash bags - 100 pieces

Tips

Plan one bib number and one bib holder per rider, then add at least 5% spare numbers for damaged or missing items. Sort the numbers before registration closes so the start list can be matched quickly.
Use at least two stopwatches for timing: one primary watch and one backup. Charge the laptop, printer, walkie-talkies and power banks the day before, and pack extension cords and power strips with them.
Mark every junction and the start and finish areas with cones or traffic cones, course signs and barrier tape. Keep extra tape and signs in a vehicle or at the finish so a damaged marker can be replaced immediately.
Prepare one clearly labelled safety point with a first aid kit, emergency blankets and spare safety vests. Traffic controllers should be identifiable from a distance, especially if the course remains open to other road users.
Buy or collect refreshments and serving items before the final setup: reusable drinking cups, plates, cutlery sets and coffee cups. For a small post-race service, allow 2 cups per participant plus 10% spare, and provide a sheltered table under a party tent.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for an individual time trial?: You need bib numbers and holders, stopwatches, cones, course signs, barrier tape, traffic barriers, walkie-talkies and a megaphone. Also prepare first aid kits, safety vests, emergency blankets and spare bike tools.
How many stopwatches do I need for a time trial?: Use at least two stopwatches for one timing point: one for recording results and one as a backup. If you have separate start and finish teams, provide one working stopwatch and one backup for each team.
How many cones and signs are needed for a time trial course?: The number depends on junctions and hazards, but plan at least two cones for each point that needs marking, plus one course sign per turn or instruction. Add 10% spare cones and signs for wind damage or last-minute route changes.
What should I bring for a time trial in bad weather?: Bring party tents for registration and timing, power banks, waterproof storage for bibs and result sheets, and emergency blankets. Check the forecast at least 48 hours before the event and protect laptops, printers and cables from rain.

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