Coaching: How to avoid mistakes as you prepare for early season races

*The early season exchanges are just about underway, but are you sure your race day routine is what it should be? (Photo: John Hammer)*

By Anthony Walsh - A1Coaching.net

I recently got a text from a friend who is starting out for his first race in the coming weeks. He was wondering if he should use mudguards for his first race.

‘Is it expected that I use mudguards for the early season races?’

I remember sitting in the car, completely clueless, before my first race in Navan many years ago.

I wish I had access to this guide back then. These may not win races for you as the 2020 season kicks off, but at least you'll avoid early season errors.

1. Arrive early and sign on

Aim to get to the race at least 90 minutes before the race starts. Once you arrive don’t start chatting with friends – get signed on and begin your prep.

2. Clean bike

You should arrive to the race with a clean bike. It is easier to spot cracks in the frame or other problems with a clean bike. Muck can often conceal a minor problem, which may escalate on the roads.

3. Avoid newbie error

Don’t place your bike upside down in the car park. The handle bar hoods and saddle are two of your contact points with the bike - keep them clean. It is easier to put wheels onto a bike that is the right way up as you’re not fighting gravity.

4. Tyre pressure

5. Lubrication

Lubricate your drive train and wipe away excess. There is no clearer sign of a newbie than a chain ring tattoo on ones inner calf. Avoid the ‘Fred tattoo’ and wipe away the excess.

6. Safety check

Perform a safety check: Check to make sure quick release skewers are tight, stem is tight, tyres are grit/glass free, seat post is tight and at correct height and that the gears/brakes are fully functional

7. Getting changed

Be sure to check the weather forecast the night before the race. The kit you will wear for a given race depends largely on the weather conditions.

For a typical March race you should wear: wool socks, shoes, over shoes, knee warmers, shorts, base layer, jersey, arm warmers and gillet.

Ensure you wear only club kit, ‘Pro Tour’ kit however fashionable you may think it is while out training, isn’t acceptable on race day.

8. Helmet adjustment

Ensure your helmet is correctly placed on your head. Not back to front which I seen at one early season race.

The helmet should fit snugly on the top of your head, be tensioned around the diameter and chin straps should be tight enough to withstand movement in the event of a crash.