1. Your First
CENTURY ROAD CLUB ASSOCIATION
Bicycle Race
Adapted from:
“My First Bike Race”
Kristen Dieffenbach, Ph.D., CCAASP
West Virginia University
Level 1 USA Cycling Licensed Coach

2. Before your first Race
If you have never watched a race, don’t. Just
enter. - Jacquie Phelen

3. Why Race?
cardiovascular benefits
enjoy the outdoors -
low impact sport (well, kind brrrr.....(racing in March?)
of...)
great activity
improve body composition
improve mood
enhance muscular power
competition
enhance endurance
in order of priority (Bosh, I’m here to win!)
increase energy

4. The Paperwork
CRCA Membership
http://www.crca.net/membership/new-members-getting-started/
USAC Racing License
http://usacycling.org/news/user/story.php?id=6784
marshaling dates chosen

5. The Hardware
well-maintained bike
road bike with drop handlebars
the bike fit
helmet - new, well fitted, worn @ all times when at CRCA race
events
CRCA jersey and/or kit
CRCA number
shoes
much, much more clothing for cold/wet races

6. The Boundaries
know & follow the USAC Racing rules
http://usacycling.org/news/user/story.php?id=4220
know & follow the CRCA & Central Park rules
http://www.crca.net/racing/club/race-protocol/
ride the Central Park loop (know the course)
train & eat for racing (are you fit to race, not just ride?)
CRCA Coaching program schedule
http://www.crca.net/coaching/coaching-schedule/

7. More Boundaries
can you.....
hold your line?
hold a wheel safely?
ride safely in a group?
eat & drink safely in a group?
do this when going FAST?
corner safely at race speeds?
learn Bike Racing Safety tips
http://www.crca.net/ > Racing Tab > Drop down to Racing Safety
have you considered a Racing skills course?

8. Your first Night Before....
check your bike
pack your race bag
what do I need?
http://www.crca.net/racing/club/race-protocol/
individual checklists are recommended
you will find you have your own necessary things
eat & hydrate well

9. Your first Pre-Race!
wake up on time
eat a good breakfast (if your GI tract allows
this)
get to registration with time to warmup & pin
your number on the correct side
http://www.crca.net/membership/new-members-getting-started/
Number position listed on Race Schedule page
exact change please

10. The Pre-Race check
tire pressure
wheels secure & centered
water bottle cages & bottles secure
brakes not rubbing
monitoring devices working
all non-essentials off the bike (pump, bag, etc.)

11. Key Rules
AVOID THE RECREATION LANE
all USAC race rules
all Central Park rules
listen to all pre-race announcements for
possible changes
know WHERE the finish is

12. Your First Race!
go on the whistle
keep your eyes up
clip in fast
hold a straight line
stay with the pack
hydrate
ride smoothly, both hands on the handlebars
if dropped, continue. But, be alert.

13. Your First Race! (cont.)
listen for the bell - Last Lap To Go
prepare for the finish
decide on Tactics, Position, People to watch
hold your line
eyes up
stay alert
continue riding after the finish line
avoid turning around and riding back to the line

14. What if....?
I miss the start
You can start and attempt to catch the pack, or watch, or go home.
I flat?
CRCA races are circuit races. You have to repair the flat and chase the pack.
There is no repair pit, no free lap rule, and unless it is a teammate, you cannot
accept assistance.
I crash?
Stay down initially. Standing up fast can endanger you more if racers are still
passing. If you are not hurt, spin your wheels, check your bike, and attempt to
chase. If you are hurt, wait until a marshal or help arrives.
I see some inappropriate racing?
Protests should be filed with the Race Director during the protest period after
results are posted.

15. Post-race
eat, drink, & cool down
results take time
There is a 15 minute protest period after results are posted
lodge protests then & only with the Race Director
review your race
But, AVOID doing so in the recreation lane!
use perspective, training diaries can be helpful

16. Remember.....
it’s supposed to be FUN.
CRCA 2012 Coaching Program © 2012