Preparing For Your First Race (cycling tips)

This video is for the guy/gal who wants to race but does not know much about anything. This video breaks down what types of races there are, how to find them, what to expect... all the stuff I wish I knew when I did my first race.
I know this is really long, but when I was about to do my first race, I wanted to watch anything and everything I could to get as much info as I could.
The info here is based off my experience, so if see it differently, let me know your thoughts.
follow me bruh
/ thevegancyclist
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/ the_vegan_cyclist

[@darrenfeatures]

My first road race I got dropped like a stone - it happens! My next race (a crit) I finished 7th. Last season I WON my first road race, things get better! Keep the faith.

[@velo1337]

the best tip i got for the first race or basically for any race thats important to you is that you take as much sleep as you can 2 days out... since the last day, youll be so nervous that your sleep will suck... so if you got a good amount of sleep 2 days before, you can deal with 1 bad day of sleeping much easier ...

[@404nobrakes]

velo1337 this is legit. I can never sleep before important rides

[@708squid2]

velo1337 actually genius and never thought of this...

[@Ryan2020]

My nerves are already high got 15 days until my first race.

[@kklinefelter]

"Don't leave that poop inside you weighing you down bro." Love it. Totally agree. A must for me both mentally and physically.

[@tonyle7511]

Kev K top tier life advice here

[@jpmcdonald4921]

Did my first crit ever just the other night. I got destroyed!! I would say I am pretty fit, but HOLY SH$$, the fitness level of these guys and gals was super impressive and motivating. Enjoy your content!

[@Checkpattern]

some dank cycling content right here

[@nagev7239]

0:40 Do it, just do it! Don’t let your dreams be dreams. Yesterday you said tomorrow. So just do it! Make your dreams come true. Just do it. Some people dream of success, while you’re going to wake up and work hard at it. Nothing is impossible… you should get to the point where anyone else would quit and you’re not going to stop there. NO! What are you waiting for?! DO IT! JUST DO IT! YES YOU CAN! JUST DO IT! If you’re tired of starting over, stop giving up. Comment Start Related Topic

[@maikis1991]

I've really been looking foward to your videos lately. The graphics you have been doing are killer, keep up the awesome work!

[@marcoterenghi4127]

Thank you so much for this video dude! It is so encouraging! I’m fit, but in my first 2 races I did all I could do wrong and my spirits were low...then I watched this! On to the next race!

[@BennstantonFavorites]

Just raced my first crit last week but only watched this video today, some great home truths but very motivating! Love your videos!

[@cplca]

Great Vlog and very informative ! A few more things people can do for their first race. Know the route, normally a club will have the route for the race on the club website. So, if you live close by, go and train on that route at your own pace. That way the day of the race you will know where you're going. The turns, hills, road surface, wind direction as well as the Sun location during the event. No matter if it's a crit or road race this will give you more confidence as well as a mental advantage. You will have more fun, less stress and be able to concentrate more your race.

[@bloodsord9]

I haven't done any training before my first race. Just rode my bike. I ended up chasing everyone down for the first half and didn't even take advantage of drafting, even though I knew not to do these things. It was an open field and I finished last. After that disaster I made myself a promise that I would rather die on the bike then finish last again.

[@ericlecreateur]

Yup. That's what I thought when he said: "If you want to race, go on and don't even think about it twice". (or something like that) Well, yeah, imo, you HAVE to train for a race. Because as your comment is saying, it can be very frustrating to finish last. That's no fun at all.

[@allthingsTechrelated]

If you finish last, is it better to go home first?

[@adm1adm1]

Thanks for this video bro - super insightful and helpful. I'm a decent cyclist and ride with racers. Have started to think about racing myself and hearing your words makes me think just jump on it! Again thanks and Keep the fantastic work up.

[@eamonn9882]

Thanks for posting this VC, I've signed up to my first season of racing, first race in six weeks. I'll keep your good advice in mind. Was hoping to hang at the back but having 2nd thoughts about this strategy now! Basically expecting to go "out the back-door" early enough. But like you say I'll build on that and keep coming back. You post some great informative content on all aspects of cycling, loved your sprint & olympic Tri vids in particular!

[@Karielcakes]

I've always been quite intimidated by races and never really imagined myself jumping into one, but after watching this I really want to give it a go within the next year. your content, as a whole, is something nobody else is producing and it's phenomenal. equally informative as it is entertaining. thank you!!!=)

[@TheVCAdventures]

+Kariel Kay Buche (The Vegan Poppy) Thats so cool to hear! I have suckered another into bike racing (evil laugh). Thank you for the support and kind comments.

[@rieckstudio]

Dude, awesome video. You covered so many important points with ease. Sharing it with the nubs now. ✌️

[@terry.hudson]

Been putting and putting it off. Watching KZbin videos and blogs and I thought I'd dig back into your videos. First 30 seconds, just do it, book it. That's it I did it and I have no idea what I was worried about. Had a great time and smashed it to be fair. Looking forward to more 👌🏻

[@LulaRMuniz]

thank you, dude! my first race is this sunday, and i was so anxious i even stalked some guys on strava, only to discover that yes, they're clearly stronger than me. i also got lots of useless "change your training/sleep/diet" advice from friends.. i'm much calmer now. my goal is to survive at least 3 of the 5 laps.

[@Brian-pk1ol]

I'm a little more than 30 days from my first Crit and I'm already wigging out. Not worried so much about fitness more than making stupid noob mistakes. However dudes like you provide crazy resources that help people learn from your personal good and bad experiences. It's encouraging.

[@PrintKingdom904]

did my first community race the other weekend, met some cool people had fun and realized i need to step my game up in every aspect. ur vids help a lot cheers from a fellow vegan.

[@AlanFeekery]

Another superb video, planning to try racing this year. This was the best video I could watch right now. Keep up the good work bro!

[@TheVCAdventures]

Awesome ! If you race, shoot me a pic and let me know how it goes. Send it to fb or IG

[@oranemangaroo4684]

Great explanation dude...everything you stated was SPOT ON!

[@vicegrypp]

perfect timing for this one, trying to get organised to start racing, excellent vid as always :)

[@ryand121984]

Powertap! Nice cap man. Awesome video and advice as always. keep it up brotha

[@fernandofiauxdemoraes5458]

That exciting coming up again, you're gonna make me get back to racing real soon man!

[@Stuartrusty]

Useful, clear and concise information, well put together. Thanks bro!

[@valentinn3507]

Love it!!! Now really looking forward to my first race (fixed gear crit) ever!

[@lukepowell1201]

I just want to say thanks for this video. As a relative beginner who is trying to get fit and start doing events of any kind on a regular basis there is a lot in this video to understand and think about that would have otherwise taken months if not years to be exposed to. Thanks!

[@Zeptinn]

Such an amazing video, thank you Vegan Cyclist! I've only done two races ever, first one was maybe 20km (went terribly I burnt everything too early), and second one was 45km (went great! Felt absolutely amazing. Got to ride with one of the world's best cyclists aswell).

[@gdouglas32]

My first road race is this Saturday, I appreciate the detailed explanation of what to expect and how to prepare. Several things I had not considered, like packing everything in one bag and race day preparation.

[@TheVCAdventures]

+Gerry Douglas Good luck bro! Thanks for watching :)

[@derek-stader3445]

New sub here....raced out of Visalia in the 90’s then moved to Oregon in 2000....GREAT video dude ✌️

[@2715jedi]

Again good video... just humble and motivating to "Just do it" attitude... Need more people in the world like this... You may fail, but at least you put yourself out there to do!!!!!!!

[@livefreeandshred9818]

thanks man! perfect video. looking to do my first race this year.....as a former moto racer I know my expectations are too high. I feel like this brought me back to planet earth.

[@RafaelOshiro]

Awesome video. I'm going to start racing this season, really helpful tips!

[@NigelSequeira]

Thank you for this. I'm training for my first race in April, this helps loads.

[@thomaslee3452]

Really awesome video ! Actually just motivated me and gave me the confidence to do a race!!

[@upinspoketv7781]

don't leave that poop inside you bro!! I'm dying here, awesome video. I live in japan at the moment and its hard for me to find racing because of the language barrier but am supper interested in starting to race. Probably when i get back to the states sometime in the next couple of years.

[@kevinajosephkjbrooklyn3192]

Hey man. I've been watching you for a year now and here it is. My first race in Sunday and im soaking up all the wisdom. Thanks and ill give some feedback on what happend.

[@naeh4062]

awesome video man!!! great info and tips. thanks

[@lookylooish]

best video you've done on racing!!! the best!!

[@TheVCAdventures]

Thanks bro! Every video I post, I am always so worried someone will say "worst video you've done". So to see your comment makes me so happy lol

[@cplca]

+The Vegan Cyclist Ok, than this is the worst video you've ever done my friend ! There you go, you don't have to worry anymore ;-)

[@hammerdown184]

Have you ever been drug tested during any race/event at this level?

[@AltitudeProductions]

Im very thankful for this video! My first race is in a little over a month. I've done CX and mountain bike racing though.

[@bluskydreamr1]

Awesome video! I've only competed in two races, both 13 mile monster climbs. 1st time I was new to cycling and had an entry level mnt bike! I was 5th from last. Following year I had my first road bike and shaved an hour off my time. Just thinking about doing a race gives me butterflies, but, like you said, "it's for fun."

[@geemoya4500]

Dude...im wacthing all of your Videos📹🚴🚴🚴🚴🚴🚴🏁🏁🏁🏁🏁🏁

[@jhowardgreenthumb]

New sub here. Love the channel. Been riding for a few years now. But recently purchased a new bike and have been taking this hobby more seriously with longer and harder rides. Haven't participated in a race yet. But definitely a goal of mine. Anyways keep up the great content and take it easy

[@sandronunes99]

Really nice video mate! My first race... arrived late, started on the back of the pack... lost the peloton and had to climb my way up facing the wind... of course, didn't do much on the race... :-) But it was a great experience, and now I learned to put the alarm clock to beep 1h earlier... :-)

[@BIIIKES]

This was great, Tyler. Thank you!

[@jayalfonso2526]

Wow I just did my first race today and everything you said was true!!! thanks you sir!

[@McGnarly76]

I haven't raced in 2 years....this is inspiring a comeback! Great vid.

[@TheVCAdventures]

DOOO IT! Just get back on the stead and rip some legs off bro!

[@onyerbikecycling1919]

Really enjoyed the video. Thank you. I've just signed up for my first race. Nervous!

[@obtaininglife1729]

Kick ass video with lots of great information for people looking to get into the sport. Proper production quality as well, bravo Thank you

[@obtaininglife1729]

Furthermore, I was rolling laughing at 13:04 aka the "pre-race poo"

[@TheVCAdventures]

Pre-race poo is a must bro!

[@gtrpimp76]

dude!! thank you for this video. I raced a crit 5 years ago. cat5. got dropped. never raced again. I was a newbie. I completely did the "don'ts" of the video. Which led to my failure and never raced again. Now with these tips, more years of riding, and now training with power I want to give it a go. I niw dont care if I get dropped or suck. I now know what to expect. If I suck, hey I can only improve. Cant suck forever.

[@dlwlrma8742]

So it's been 6 years how was your progress????

[@stormb777]

Great job with this video. Really helps. Thanking you.

[@chrisjenkins1]

Thanks for advice. Not there yet but helps me for the future.

[@philipberry1349]

Thanks for the video. Have a Crit series starting tonight here in San Antonio.

[@rich3318]

awesome video dude. perfect timing. means a lot. thanks.

[@heiarhloversson4638]

Hey Tyler, love your videos. I was watching the training for cyclist video the other day and you talked about having a four week cycle (three on and one rest) I was just wondering how you would plan a big race into that? (like THE race that you wanna do good in that season) so just keep up the good work dude

[@TheVCAdventures]

Well I don't plan anything, my coach does all that LOL. But before a big race I will ushaly do 2 weeks of taper, maybe one week. But honestly the season is so packed that I race almost twice a week right now. So my main training is light on miles but heavy in intensity.

[@TheMonster50]

Your videos are so well done! Thanks! How do you setup a cam on your bike?

[@JonElison]

Vegan, just recently found your videos and need to tell you what a great job you're doing. Content is super helpful, and most importantly, approachable! I just so happened to embark on my first race a few weeks back (wish I had seen this video then)... Your general description of crit dynamics were right on point. The pace was really high, and the ebb and flow of the pack stretching and coming back together was fascinating to experience. Luckily, I held my own OK; didn't seem to be as out of my element as maybe I could have been. In the end, stayed upright and finished top 10/35 - not bad! Also, I'm now hooked. My most important takeaway from my first race? The lead up to it - everything I read, heard, watched - was more intimidating than the actual race itself. Thinking of racing? JUST REGISTER AND TRY IT! Kudos, again, on a great channel. Looking forward to your race breakdowns to better learn race reading and tactics.

[@JonElison]

BTW, what software do you guys use to correlate your power/HR/GPS data to your videos?

[@TheVCAdventures]

+Jon Elison Thanks for the awesome comment bro! Great job on your result, and great job getting out there. I use the Garmin Virb program, get the overlay, then export it to my video editor. Take a long time but is worth it.

[@svenamundsen4879]

Great advice!! Very "realistic"..Thank you VERY much!!

[@dylmcd12]

yeah where i live its one race a year if i want to drive an hour and a half. 3-4 if i want to drive 4+ hours. keep up the dope vids man

[@peterhurley9731]

Terrific video. Well done, Again!!

[@kristofpeiremans736]

as always really good video! really made me laugh with the poop thing

[@christopherscott8961]

great video, thank you, I want to get signed up now for race 1 (even though its December and winter's coming in Scotland)

[@akmalvlog6587]

Im about to do my first 95km ride in a race bro!! Im so excited

[@alexanderaird1062]

Thank you so much!! I'm 16 and have my first race in two weeks!!!!

[@ABFPV584]

Did my first race on gravel. Rode out with the second group feeling strong as hell, then I got a flat. Haven't changed one in over 5 years and needed a hand to patch it up hah. They were sure to give me a hard time but it was all in good fun and I finished! He's right just do it, it's fun as hell

[@get1up2and3dance]

thank you. i hope it will help me at my first bike race tomorrow

[@ciswhitebigot]

“Lean towards short intense, even if that’s only 40 minutes” .....that’s my long ride 🤣

[@osaru337]

Best vid quality so far! Makes me want try for a crit

[@stithis]

Just did my first race!! I wasn't able to finish the race! But I've learned a lot. I need to up my training pre race. Also, I need to learn not to stay in the back.

[@befitcycle]

Oh dude amazing vid!!! 😍

[@MauricioAlsinaLee]

The back of the peloton, the worst place to be in the world. In my first ever road race I started in the back and, during the first minutes I asked why were we going like 30 km/h. Truth is that we were already dropped. Anyway, awesome vid, dude.

[@impures]

great vid. subscribed after the fist grafic.

[@mosmanderick4493]

I enjoyed the video. I didn't notice any mention of what type of warm-up, if any, you do before a race. Could you share any ideas on that? Thanks.

[@SoCalSurfer69]

Thanks for the pep talk! 1st race in a week in Jurupa Ca at Dare to Race. I will most likely be the heaviest guy there but who cares, I just need to do it.

[@LawrencedelfinDeleon]

This video is such a Confidence builder!

[@MTBTexasBikeRider]

Great video thank you for the info!!!👍💪😊

[@calvinnorford7559]

he vegan, I've entered myself for my first race recently but I wish I'd come across this (amazing) video last year as I didn't have much confidence in racing last year, so thanks so much. also what's the music for your intro/ outro?

[@vinnychoff]

loads of great tips! thanks

[@1SOUNDCHAMPION2]

Help...is an understatement... Especially the hulk calf muscle...and bike

[@rpapi12]

group ride and or rollers i think is a really important to mention. being able to keep a good line in a race is important to prevent prevent yourself from causing a crash :o

[@rpapi12]

great vid tho!

[@BobbyVempati]

Dammmmnnn I'm going for the next race...Best video ever

[@scottthomson6064]

Got my first crit Saturday ........o shit that's tomorrow

[@jeffreybarruga257]

THANKS for the advise! It was scary racing forward but because I took your advise I was able to get shelter and stick to the pack and not get dropped!

[@TheVCAdventures]

Thats AWESOME Jeffrey! Keep at it, it gets more fun as you go.

[@708squid2]

I don't comment a lot on KZbin... but tomorrow is my first crit in 10 years... got dropped and never raced again.... this inspired me

[@kseger1970]

This was great! I'm a Cat 3 and am coming back after 3 year hiatus. I think you touched on a lot of very valuable points, even for somebody that's been through it before. If I can be so bold, I'd suggest a repost for 2017 to highlight it again for newbies. Great work!

[@TheVCAdventures]

+Khris Seger This is my favorite video I have done. I have some ideas to expand on this or take another angle on it.

[@kseger1970]

The Vegan Cyclist Keep up the great work!

[@tkto13]

Could you cover how one knows whether to upgrade to an aero bike (Eg. Propel) or all-around bike (Eg. TCR)? is it the rider or the terrain? BTW, great video!

[@iannuhfer8895]

thanks Tyler love the videos keep it up

[@cyclenatic9506]

Great video!! what camera equipment do you use?

[@Le-O309]

nice video. i would like to see a video like this for first race on MTB

[@kingdaniel69]

Great video, thanks heaps. Am subscribing.

[@cameronmcivor1785]

Dude awesome stuff

[@arcadiandj]

Thank you. You are awesome.

[@TheOfficialDJAVI]

Those first three minutes are so accurate, that was me at my first race!

[@kellyrichards2657]

Thanks for all the advice on first race.. I'm racing tomorrow for the first time. Nervous as he'll probably because I'm 40 and a cat 5 thinking of these young guys, but screw bring it on.

[@TheVCAdventures]

+Kelly Richards in out area , they have 35+ races, so no young bucks out there. Good luck and look at it as a learning experience. Also, remember that it might be really fast on the first 5 -10 min , but it will slow down, so go all in bro!

[@eddarell9474]

Awesome explanation! 🤙😎🤙

[@mr_musette]

Fucckkkkk signed up to my first crit two days ago, perfect video timing. Thanks bruh.

[@FihasiaTshirtStore]

Awesome thank you!

[@jonnyt43]

Will Wheaton cameo! F***ing EPIC! 😂😂😂

[@TheRedster]

Great video. I got my first cat 4 race next weekend v2.0 coz my other "first" race got cancelled

[@pblair12]

Your videos r great! Thanks!