MTB stage race shopping list

An MTB stage race needs more than bikes and race numbers. You need reliable course marking, a way to keep riders and officials connected, and enough equipment to run registration, timing and support across several stages. Use the item list below as your purchasing checklist, then confirm stock at least 7 days before the first race day. Pay particular attention to power, spare parts, shelter and printed materials: these are often ordered too late.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 4
Foldable tablesqty 16
Folding chairsqty 80
Beer tablesqty 8
Waste binsqty 12
Clothes racksqty 4

Sports equipment

Bib numbersqty 180
Steering signsqty 180
Directional signsqty 90
Course ribbonqty 20
Marker flagsqty 40
Traffic conesqty 60
Crowd barriersqty 40
Course marker signsqty 20
Mountain bikesqty 4
Bike pumpsqty 6
Bike tool kitsqty 4
Spare inner tubesqty 30
Bicycle standsqty 12
Technical matsqty 6
Stage cupsqty 15

Equipment

Timing kitsqty 3
Stopwatchesqty 8
Walkie-talkiesqty 16
Spare batteriesqty 40
Laptopsqty 3
Printersqty 2
Printer paperqty 6
Extension cordsqty 10
Power stripsqty 8
Charging stationsqty 4
Portable lightingqty 8
Megaphonesqty 3
Speakersqty 2
Microphonesqty 2
Flashlightsqty 12

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 250
Reusable platesqty 180
Reusable cutleryqty 220
Coffee cupsqty 100
Serving plattersqty 20

Kitchen

Coolersqty 10
Thermos flasksqty 8
Water jugsqty 12
Cutting boardsqty 6
Chef's knifeqty 6
Pliersqty 8
Serving spoonsqty 8
Kettlesqty 4
Coffee machinesqty 3
Food warmersqty 6
Food containersqty 20
Ice packsqty 30

Cleaning

Mop setsqty 3
Bucketsqty 6
Broom setsqty 4
Litter pickersqty 6
Hand soap dispensersqty 6
Hand sanitizer pumpsqty 8
First aid kitsqty 4
Fire blanketsqty 2

Decorations

Stage backdropsqty 2
Organization flagsqty 12
Sponsor bannersqty 20
Tableclothsqty 16

Lighting

LED string lightsqty 8
Battery lanternsqty 12

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 8 packs
- Tea selection - 6 boxes
- Sugar - 4 kilos
- Sweetener - 2 boxes
- Milk - 24 liters
- Oat milk - 8 liters
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Iced tea - 8 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 36 bottles
- Spa Rood - 12 bottles
- Sports drink - 36 bottles
- Apple juice - 8 cartons
- Orange juice - 8 packs
- Apples - 12 kilos
- Bananas - 10 kilo
- Grapes - 6 kilos
- Oranges - 8 kilo
- Muesli bars - 240 pieces
- Energy gels - 240 pieces
- Raisins - 4 kilos
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Snacks - 6 bags
- Mixed nuts - 4 kilos
- Rice cakes - 12 packs
- Whole wheat bread - 24 loaves
- White rolls - 240 pieces
- Currant buns - 120 pieces
- Cheese - 8 kilos
- Ham - 6 kilo
- Chicken breast slices - 5 kilos
- Hummus - 4 kilos
- Peanut butter - 6 jars
- Jam - 6 jars
- Butter - 4 kilos
- Eggs - 180 pieces
- Yogurt - 20 liters
- Muesli - 8 kilos
- Pasta salad - 30 kilos
- Green salad - 20 kilos
- Tomatoes - 10 kilos
- Cucumbers - 8 kilos
- Carrots - 8 kilos
- Vegetarian burgers - 100 pieces
- Hamburger buns - 120 pieces
- Mayonnaise - 4 bottles
- Ketchup - 4 bottles
- Mustard - 3 bottles
- Barbecue sauce - 3 bottles
- Salt - 2 packs
- Pepper - 2 jars
- Spice mix - 6 jars
- Olive oil - 3 liters
- Vinegar - 2 bottles
- Ketchup packets - 300 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 6 rolls
- Cling film - 6 rolls
- Baking paper - 4 rolls
- Paper towels - 24 rolls
- Napkins - 600 pieces
- Garbage bags - 120 pieces
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Hand soap - 6 bottles
- Dish soap - 6 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 6 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 12 packs
- Sponges - 24 pieces
- Rubber gloves - 12 boxes
- Bandages - 10 boxes
- Sterile gauze pads - 10 boxes
- Bandage rolls - 20 pieces
- Cold pack - 20 pieces
- Wound disinfectant - 6 bottles
- Disposable gloves - 10 boxes

Tips

Plan at least one timing setup for the start and finish, plus a backup stopwatch. Check every timing kit, laptop, printer and power cable 48 hours before registration opens.
Allow 10–15% extra bib numbers, course signs, direction arrows and printer paper beyond the registered field. Late entries, damaged signs and reprints are common during a stage race.
Pack one bike pump and one tool kit at each main support point, with spare inner tubes available for every stage. Keep technical mats and bicycle stands near the service area so repairs do not block registration or rider flow.
For course marking, prepare enough ribbon, marker flags, cones and barriers for the longest route, then add a 15% reserve. Walk or drive the full course after marking and replace any sign that is hidden from the approach.
Set aside one walkie-talkie and one spare battery for each key role, including the start, finish, course team and medical support. Charge all radios the night before and bring extension cords and power strips for the timing and printing desks.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need for an MTB stage race?: At minimum, prepare race numbers, course signs, ribbon, marker flags, cones, timing equipment, walkie-talkies, bike pumps, tool kits, spare inner tubes and rider support supplies. Add tables, shelter, waste bins and power equipment for registration, timing and the finish area.
How many spare MTB race numbers should I buy?: Buy 10–15% more bib numbers than the number of registered riders. For 100 riders, that means 110–115 numbers, allowing for late registrations, damaged numbers and replacements.
How early should I buy equipment for an MTB stage race?: Order specialist equipment and printed race materials at least 3–4 weeks before the first stage. Check quantities and test timing, printing, radios and power connections 48 hours before the event.
How much course marking material do I need for an MTB race?: Base your order on the longest course and add a 15% reserve for damaged or missing markers. Prepare enough ribbon, flags, directional signs, cones and barriers to mark every junction, hazard and start or finish approach.

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