What to Buy for a Pursuit Race

A pursuit race needs more than bicycles and a start list. You need equipment for timing, clear course control, rider numbers, quick bike repairs, weather cover and a working registration area. This shopping list covers the practical supplies for race officials, volunteers and participants, including barriers, cones, radios, printing and power. Check quantities against your expected field, then allow time to test electronic timing, charge communication equipment and cool drinks before the venue opens.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Foldable tablesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 40
Beer tablesqty 4
Waste binsqty 6
Clothes racksqty 2

Sports equipment

Traffic conesqty 40
Crowd barriersqty 20
Barrier tapeqty 6
Bib numbersqty 120
Bib holdersqty 120
Spare bicyclesqty 2
Bike pumpsqty 4
Tool setsqty 2
Spare inner tubesqty 12
Bicycle standsqty 4

Equipment

Electronic timekeeping
Stopwatchesqty 4
Laptop
Printer
Walkie-talkiesqty 8
Megaphoneqty 2
Sound system
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 4

Lighting

Work lightsqty 6
Light Stripsqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 150
Platesqty 120
Cutlery setsqty 120
Coffee cupsqty 80

Kitchen

Thermos flasksqty 6
Coolersqty 6
Cutting boardsqty 4
Serving plattersqty 12
Serving tongsqty 8
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Towelsqty 12

Cleaning

Broom setsqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Bucketsqty 4
Toilet brushesqty 2

Safety

First aid kitsqty 2
Safety vestsqty 20
Work glovesqty 12

Decorations

Competition flagsqty 12
Directional arrowsqty 20
Information boardsqty 8

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 3 boxes
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Iced tea - 8 bottles
- Spa Blue - 10 crates
- Spa Rood - 4 crates
- Isotonic sports drink - 8 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Brown baguettes - 12 pieces
- White baguettes - 8 pieces
- Butter - 4 packs
- Young cheese - 4 kilos
- Back ham - 3 kilos
- Chicken breast topping - 3 kilos
- Hummus - 12 tubs
- Cream cheese - 8 tubs
- Cucumbers - 12 pieces
- Tomatoes - 4 kilos
- Lettuce - 6 heads
- Apples - 10 kilos
- Bananas - 8 kilos
- Grapes - 5 kilos
- Muesli bars - 8 boxes
- Energy gels - 100 pieces
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Snack mix - 4 bags
- Ketchup - 3 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 3 bottles
- Mustard - 2 bottles
- Napkins - 10 packs
- Plastic wrap - 4 rolls
- Aluminum foil - 4 rolls
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Dish soap - 4 bottles
- Cleaning spray - 4 bottles
- Hand soap - 6 dispensers
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Trash bags - 6 rolls
- Paper hand towels - 6 packs
- Disinfectant wipes - 6 packs

Tips

Plan one bib number and one bib holder per rider, plus at least 10% spare numbers for replacements, late changes or damaged holders. Print the start list and key race documents before race morning.
For a course with several control points, provide one walkie-talkie for each key official or marshal and keep two spare units available. Test the full route before riders arrive, because radios can lose signal around buildings or bends.
Bring one bike pump, tool set and spare inner tubes for every main repair point, with at least one complete backup kit at registration. Put repair equipment where volunteers can reach it without crossing the rider flow.
Use cones, crowd barriers and barrier tape together: cones define the riding line, barriers protect busy areas and tape closes gaps. Count the course sections during setup so a shortfall is found before the first start.
Allow one folding table for registration and timing, plus separate tables for drinks or food where needed. Pack extension cords, power strips and lighting together, and test every connection before electronic timing and the printer are used.

Frequently asked questions

What should I buy for a pursuit race?: Start with bib numbers and holders, timing equipment, cones, barriers, barrier tape, radios, bike pumps, tools and spare inner tubes. Add tents, tables, chairs, waste bins, cups, plates, cutlery, drinks and power supplies according to the number of riders and volunteers.
How many spare bib numbers do I need for a pursuit race?: Prepare one number per rider and add at least 10% spare numbers. For 80 riders, that means 88 numbers, giving you eight replacements for damaged, lost or changed entries.
How much bike repair equipment is needed at a pursuit race?: Set up at least one pump, one tool set and a supply of spare inner tubes at each main repair point. Keep one additional complete repair kit at registration, and check every bicycle before the start if the format allows it.
When should I test the timing and communication equipment?: Test electronic timing, stopwatches, the laptop, printer and every walkie-talkie at least 60 minutes before the first start. Test radios from their actual course positions and connect power and lighting before officials begin their briefing.

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