What you need for a team time trial

A team time trial needs more than bikes and a start line. You will need clear route marking, visible race numbers, reliable timing equipment, communication gear and a small repair station. Plan refreshments for the waiting period as well as the race itself, and prepare power banks and extension leads before equipment setup begins. This shopping list helps you gather the practical items that are easy to overlook when several teams start at different times.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Foldable tablesqty 10
Folding chairsqty 80
Beer tablesqty 8
Bar stoolsqty 12
Waste binsqty 12
Crowd barriersqty 80
Dressing room racksqty 4

Sports equipment

Start and finish arch
Race number vestsqty 120
Conesqty 40
Barrier tapeqty 12
Route arrowsqty 30
Spare bike pumpsqty 4
Bicycle bellsqty 2
Spare inner tubesqty 20
Bicycle standsqty 12

Equipment

Handheld stopwatchesqty 8
Tablets for timekeepingqty 4
Power banksqty 8
Walkie-talkiesqty 12
Megaphonesqty 3
Portable sound system
Microphonesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Laptopqty 2
Printer

Lighting

LED construction lightsqty 8
String lightsqty 6
Battery lanternsqty 10

Safety

Traffic conesqty 40
Traffic signsqty 24
Safety vestsqty 30
First aid kitsqty 3
Emergency blanketsqty 10
Nitrile glovesqty 2
Flashlightsqty 8
Fire extinguishersqty 3

Tableware

Reusable drinking cupsqty 200
Coffee cupsqty 80
Platesqty 180
Cutlery setsqty 180
Serving spoonsqty 8

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 3
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 8
Coolersqty 8
Cutting boardsqty 4
Bread knivesqty 4
Pliersqty 6
Serving plattersqty 12
Pouring jugsqty 8
Ice packsqty 30

Decorations

Start and finish bannersqty 4
Sponsor bannersqty 12
Directional signsqty 20
Stage blocksqty 3
Prizesqty 12

Cleaning

Mop setsqty 3
Bucketsqty 4
Broom setsqty 4
Dustpan and brushqty 4
Microfiber clothsqty 20

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Tea assortment - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Sweetener - 1 box
- Semi-skimmed milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Iced tea - 8 bottles
- Sparkling water - 12 bottles
- Still water - 36 bottles
- Sports drink lemon - 24 bottles
- Alcohol-free beer - 48 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- White rolls - 120 pieces
- Whole wheat rolls - 80 pieces
- Mini wraps - 80 pieces
- Young cheese - 3 kilos
- Back ham - 2 kilos
- Chicken breast topping - 2 kilos
- Hummus - 1.5 kilos
- Cream cheese - 1,5 kilo
- Egg salad - 1 kilo
- Lettuce - 8 heads
- Cucumbers - 12 pieces
- Tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Bell peppers - 2 kilos
- Butter - 1 kilo
- Mayonnaise - 2 jars
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Apples - 150 pieces
- Bananas - 100 pieces
- Grapes - 8 kilos
- Muesli bars - 150 pieces
- Currant buns - 80 pieces
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Snacks - 6 bags
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Gluten-free sandwiches - 12 pieces
- Vegan spread - 12 portions
- Gluten-free cookies - 2 packs
- Ice cubes - 20 kilo
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Trash bags - 100 pieces
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 3 bottles
- Disinfectant spray - 2 bottles
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Paper towels - 8 packs

Tips

Prepare one race number vest for every participant, plus a small spare set for last-minute changes or damaged numbers. Print route maps and emergency contacts before registration closes.
Allow at least one handheld stopwatch or timing device for each active timekeeper, and charge tablets, power banks and the laptop the day before the event.
Pack route arrows, cones and barrier tape together by course section. This makes setup faster and reduces the chance of leaving a turn or crossing without clear marking.
Set aside at least two spare bike pumps and several spare inner tubes for the support point. A basic repair option can prevent one mechanical problem from stopping a team.
Plan drinks and food around the waiting time, not only the riding time. Fill coolers before volunteers arrive and keep a separate supply for timekeepers, traffic controllers and course volunteers.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for a team time trial?: You need course-marking equipment, race number vests, timing devices, walkie-talkies and a megaphone. Also bring bike pumps, spare inner tubes, bicycle stands and power supplies for tablets and other electronics.
How many race numbers should I prepare?: Prepare one race number vest per participant and add at least 5 to 10 percent extra. For 40 participants, that means 42 to 44 vests so you can replace a lost or damaged number.
How much food and drink do I need for a team time trial?: For the first hour, allow roughly two to three drinks per person, then add more for warm weather or a longer waiting period. Buy food for participants and volunteers separately so the course crew still has supplies when teams finish.
When should I charge the timing and communication equipment?: Charge tablets, power banks, walkie-talkies and the portable sound system at least 24 hours before the start. Test every device again during setup, and keep extension cords and power strips together with the equipment.

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