What you need for a team pursuit

A team pursuit needs more than bikes and a marked course. You’ll need equipment for rider identification, course control, timing, communication, bike repairs and refreshments for riders, officials and volunteers. Check power and charging early: electronic timing, laptops, tablets, printers and radios can require several outlets and fully charged batteries. Buy or collect consumables at least one day before the event, then chill drinks and check every item before the first start.

The full checklist for this plan is being updated. The tips and answers below still apply.

Tips

Prepare one bib number and bib holder for every rider, plus a small reserve for last-minute changes. Keep training bibs separate so officials can identify non-competing riders quickly.
Allow at least two working stopwatches as a backup for electronic timekeeping. Test the timing equipment, printer, laptop and tablets together before event day rather than checking them separately.
Bring bike-repair supplies that match the bikes using the course: at least two spare pumps, tire levers, tool kits and spare inner tubes give you a practical fallback for common delays.
Count power points before loading the car. Extension cords, power strips and charging stations should reach the timing desk, and spare batteries should be charged before volunteers arrive.
Plan refreshments by headcount, not just rider count. Reusable cups and coffee cups are easy to overlook when ordering groceries, especially for officials and volunteers who stay for the full schedule.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for a team pursuit?: You need bib numbers and holders, cones, course marking tape, timing equipment, stopwatches, communication devices and bike-repair tools. Add tables, chairs and barriers for officials, volunteers and the audience area.
How many spare inner tubes should I bring to a team pursuit?: Bring at least two spare inner tubes for a small event, and one additional tube for every 10 to 15 riders above that. Check the required tube sizes before the event, because a spare that does not fit is no backup.
How many stopwatches are needed for team pursuit timing?: Use at least two stopwatches: one for the primary manual timing role and one as a backup. If electronic timekeeping is used, keep both available in case the system, power supply or laptop fails.
When should I buy refreshments for a team pursuit?: Order groceries at least three days before the event and collect them no later than the day before. Chill drinks several hours in advance, and count cups for every rider, official and volunteer rather than only registered participants.