What you need for an MTB race

A mountain bike race needs more than bikes and a marked route. You’ll need equipment for registration, course control, rider support, timing, repairs and the finish area. Plan quantities around your field layout and rider count: course signs and barriers are needed at every decision point, while spare tubes, pumps and tools should be available at the repair station. This list helps you buy or bring the practical items that are easy to overlook until setup day.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 4
Foldable tablesqty 10
Folding chairsqty 30
High tablesqty 6
Tablecloth coversqty 10
Waste binsqty 12

Sports equipment

Start arch
Finish arch
Bib numbersqty 200
Race numbersqty 200
Competition ribbonqty 20
Conesqty 60
Crowd barriersqty 20
Barrier tapeqty 12
Course signsqty 30
Directional signsqty 40
Kilometer markersqty 10
Spare bike pumpsqty 4
Bike repair standsqty 2
Basic tool kitsqty 3
Spare inner tubesqty 12
Bicycle standsqty 30
Stage blocksqty 3
Medalsqty 30
Cupsqty 12

Equipment

Timing set
Laptopqty 2
Printer
Walkie-talkiesqty 12
Mobile phonesqty 4
Sound system
Microphoneqty 2
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 8
Power banksqty 6

Lighting

LED lampsqty 8
Battery lanternsqty 8

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 300
Coffee cupsqty 80
Platesqty 150
Cutlery setsqty 150
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving tongsqty 8

Kitchen

Coolersqty 8
Thermos flasksqty 6
Kettlesqty 2
Cutting boardsqty 4
Kitchen knivesqty 4
Ice packsqty 30

Cleaning

Washing-up bowlsqty 4
Dish brushesqty 4
Cleaning spongesqty 12
Hand broomsqty 4
Litter pickersqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 4 boxes
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Sweeteners - 2 boxes
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Iced tea - 8 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 30 bottles
- Sparkling water - 12 bottles
- Sports drink - 120 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Ice cubes - 20 bags
- Sandwiches - 180 pieces
- Currant buns - 80 pieces
- Ham - 3 packs
- Cheese - 3 packs
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Butter - 3 tubs
- Jam - 3 jars
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Snacks - 6 bags
- Muesli bars - 250 pieces
- Bananas - 15 kilograms
- Apples - 12 kilograms
- Oranges - 8 kilogram
- Grapes - 5 kilograms
- Chocolate bars - 100 pieces
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Paper coffee filters - 2 packs
- Stirrers - 300 pieces
- Trash bags - 40 pieces
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- Hand soap - 6 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 6 bottles
- Cleaning wipes - 4 packs
- Paper towels - 8 packs

Tips

Prepare one bib number and one race number for every rider, plus at least 10% extra for late entries, damaged numbers and replacements. Keep a marker and spare fasteners with the numbers.
Count course signs, directional signs and kilometre markers from the route plan rather than buying a generic bundle. Add 10% extra signs so a missing or damaged marker does not leave a junction unclear.
Set up a repair point with at least two spare bike pumps, one repair stand and one basic tool kit for every 50 riders. Keep spare inner tubes in the common wheel sizes used by your participants.
Bring one walkie-talkie for each key position—start, finish, course control, first aid and the race director—and fully charge them the evening before. Keep mobile phones as a backup because radio coverage can fail on wooded sections.
Order medals, cups and competition ribbon at least 3–4 weeks before race day. Buy or reserve one award item per planned category, with a small number of extras for corrections or damaged items.

Frequently asked questions

How many MTB race numbers do I need?: Allow one bib number and one race number per registered rider, then add 10% extra. For 100 riders, prepare at least 110 of each type so late changes do not stop registration.
How many course signs are needed for an MTB race?: Use the route map to count every turn, crossing, hazard and decision point. Add 10% extra signs; a 20-kilometre course commonly needs far more than one sign per kilometre because junctions may require signs in both directions.
How much repair equipment should an MTB race have?: For up to 50 riders, provide at least two spare bike pumps, one repair stand, one basic tool kit and several spare inner tubes. Add another pump and repair kit for each additional 50 riders, especially on a long or technical course.
When should I order MTB race medals and cups?: Order medals, cups and competition ribbon at least 3–4 weeks before the race. This leaves time to check quantities, correct category details and replace missing items before setup day.

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