What you need for a time trial

A time trial needs more than bikes and a start line. You need reliable timing, visible course markings, traffic-control equipment, a way to power and charge devices, and basic supplies for riders and volunteers. Use the quantities in your plan as a starting point, then match them to your participant count and course length. The items most often arranged too late are spare tubes, charged power banks, printed start lists, route arrows and drinks that can be served without creating a queue.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Party tentsqty 3
Foldable tablesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 30
Waste binsqty 6

Equipment

Laptopqty 2
Printer
Timing set
Handheld megaphoneqty 2
Walkie-talkiesqty 12
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Power banksqty 6

Sports equipment

Traffic conesqty 40
Crowd barriersqty 20
Route arrowsqty 40
Start arch
Finish arch
Stop signsqty 8
Warning signsqty 12
Race bib beltsqty 120
Spare bike pumpsqty 2
Tool setsqty 2
Spare inner tubesqty 12

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 150
Platesqty 100
Cutlery setsqty 100
Coffee potsqty 3
Thermos flasksqty 4

Kitchen

Coolersqty 6
Serving plattersqty 8
Cutting boardsqty 3
Bread knivesqty 3
Serving jugsqty 4

Lighting

LED lampsqty 6
Battery lanternsqty 4

Cleaning

Broom setsqty 2
Mopsqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Spa Blauw - 120 bottles
- Spa Rood - 30 bottles
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Apple juice - 8 cartons
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 8 liters
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Sweeteners - 2 boxes
- Lemon tea - 1 box
- Baguettes - 25 pieces
- Whole grain bread - 8 loaves
- Sliced cheese - 4 kilos
- Back ham - 3 kilos
- Hummus - 2 kilos
- Herb cream cheese - 2 kilos
- Butter - 1 kilo
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Salted pretzels - 6 bags
- Muesli bars - 150 pieces
- Bananas - 12 kilo
- Apples - 12 kilos
- Grapes - 6 kilos
- Raisin buns - 100 pieces
- Vegetarian wraps - 60 pieces
- Gluten-free sandwiches - 12 pieces
- Vegan spread - 2 kilos
- Ice cubes - 20 kilo
- Napkins - 500 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 50 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs
- Sponges - 10 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Coffee filters - 100 pieces
- Wooden stirrers - 250 pieces

Tips

Prepare one clearly labelled equipment box for timing, including the laptop, printer supplies, power strips, extension cords and charged power banks. Test the timing set at least one day before the event, not when the first rider is waiting at the start.
Count route arrows and traffic signs by course section rather than buying a vague spare supply. Keep at least 10% extra arrows and cones available because wind, junction changes and missing signs are common on race morning.
Bring one spare inner tube and a working pump for every likely mechanical support point, plus a tool set at each point. A single repair station is only useful if it can be reached before the rider loses significant time.
Plan refreshments by headcount: provide at least 500 ml of drink per participant and volunteer for the event, with extra capacity in warm weather. Use coolers and reusable cups so drinks stay available without relying on a single serving table.
Print the start order, participant list and bib numbers before setup, with at least 5% extra bibs and printed copies. Pack the lists in a waterproof folder and keep one copy with the timing team and one with the start-area coordinator.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for a time trial?: You need a timing set, laptop, printer, power supplies, race bib belts, route arrows, cones, barriers and warning signs. Add a megaphone, walkie-talkies and repair equipment so volunteers can communicate and handle basic bike problems.
How much water should I buy for a time trial?: Allow at least 500 ml per participant and volunteer, then add 10% to cover warm weather and spills. For 40 people, that means at least 20 litres, or 22 litres with the extra allowance.
How many spare inner tubes do I need for a cycling time trial?: Start with one spare inner tube for each planned repair point, plus two additional tubes for the event. For example, two repair points require at least four tubes in total, along with pumps and tools.
When should I print the start list and race numbers?: Print them at least one day before the time trial, after registrations and the start order are final. Keep 5% extra copies or bib numbers available for late corrections, replacements and damaged printouts.

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