Preparing For Your First Race (cycling tips)

[@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!

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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 :)

[@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.

[@BennstantonFavorites]

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

[@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?

[@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????

[@Checkpattern]

some dank cycling content right here

[@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 👌🏻

[@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!

[@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?

[@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.

[@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).

[@maikis1991]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!!!!!!!

[@derek-stader3445]

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

[@valentinn3507]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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."

[@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

[@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!

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@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... :-)

[@oranemangaroo4684]

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

[@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!

[@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

[@rieckstudio]

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

[@fernandofiauxdemoraes5458]

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

[@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.

[@geemoya4500]

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

[@philipberry1349]

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

[@ryand121984]

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

[@akmalvlog6587]

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

[@vicegrypp]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@NinjaElephant]

Great Video! Just don't try to sign up for a race just 7 days before the race if you live in Europe, almost all are full at that time

[@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.

[@RafaelOshiro]

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

[@thomaslee3452]

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

[@scottthomson6064]

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

[@notreally2406]

Is that Ben Jaques-Maynes soloing at tour of California in the Bissel kit?

[@Stuartrusty]

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

[@NigelSequeira]

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

[@Digitalfiendscom]

Great video as usual but this one is especially good and quite relevant to my current situation. I've been riding for 5 years now, recently started riding and occasionally "racing" with people that are MUCH faster than me , and have the itch to see how I'd do in a real race with people more my level. My biggest concern is getting taken out by some other newbie or caught up in a crash. While I definitely don't feel old at almost 40, I do know I don't recover quite as fast as I did in my 20s! With my busy job and family life I do wonder if it's worth it but I'm very competitive, so it'd be nice to know where I stand. :) I should just do it.

[@TheVCAdventures]

Yea, you just can't think about crashing. It will happen if you race enough, but the chance of you wreaking in your first race is pretty low. If you race, shoot me a pic on FB or IG and let me know how it went.

[@jayalfonso2526]

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

[@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)

[@Ryan2020]

Got my first race 3rd April. Its 40mins long and a circuit race Training on a local circuit to prepare for it :)

[@schijtnaam]

How was it? I was gonna do my first race on the 6th of april, but the 4th I broke my wrist in PE. I was so looking forward to it.

[@mr_musette]

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

[@Carlitoboyhey]

Awesome content. When u speak of places to ride in tho, i think u should be a aware of something what few americans seem to be; not everyone on the internet is from us. Just a thought if you'd like to expand your audience (and mb even use some metric system along side of ur miles).

[@alexanderaird1062]

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

[@PeterLarsenJr]

Being a middle-aged man I was scared of doing races. But your video really encouraged me to go for it! I did my first metric century couple of years ago and averaged nearly 19 miles an hour. We were racing! And I’m pushing 60!

[@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

[@rich3318]

bud. no idea why other vegan cyclist have more subscribers. seriously, you do an awesome job. insperational for me.

[@TheVCAdventures]

+Rich Thanks bro! It takes time to get noticed and if I posted more youtube would give me a bump in recommendations. Glad you dig the videos man.

[@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!

[@skrinix]

at 3:09-3:10, i’m pretty sure your veloguide for tahoe was in both those photos. just a random ispy

[@onyerbikecycling1919]

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

[@MrDman973]

Good video I just got dropped from my last race and definitely feeling the pain and hopelessness of trying to figure out hOw to get faster. Thanks for this video man.

[@scbutler41]

Bruh, I've been eyeballing Thursday nite crits here in Dallas and I get the bubbleguts just from the thought...but I've done road races and typically don't get dropped but never finished on the podium. I want to do a crit just for the fun.

[@naeh4062]

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

[@1SOUNDCHAMPION2]

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

[@chrisjenkins1]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@bloodsord9]

what I do is fold all my stuff and lay it all on the floor so that I can see every item. then the day of I just pack it in a bag. this way I can see that everything is with me the day before and the day of

[@brandonaquino4565]

Hello, I just turned Vegan myself and I was wondering about nutrition as a vegan cyclist. What's your pre race meal like, other than popping dates during race/ride, what other boosting energy meals do you feed your vegan body? Perhaps do a nutrition video for vegan cyclist? I'm really enjoying your videos thanks! Brandon

[@TheVCAdventures]

What I eat changes with the seasons. But mainly fruit in the morning, nuts n dried fruit during a ride or a veggie smoothie in the afternoon if I ride small. And potatoes and vegetables for dinner.

[@Le-O309]

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

[@rich3318]

do have a question on diet. was the doctors this morning because i felt extremely dizzy. took and 1.5 hour to clear before i could walk. have been training and the weight is down to 73kg approx. 185. my doctors tells me the blood count is extremely low in natrium (a sexy word for sodium). i am bumping it up. i am not totally vegan but have more more to the starch/fruit diet. perhaps doing a vlog on what you put in your jersey for the long hall e.g. century rides.

[@osaru337]

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

[@BIIIKES]

This was great, Tyler. Thank you!

[@adamlowe9647]

Big fan of the channel dude, the quality of the video and the content really is top notch. I've been racing crits and road races in the UK for about three years now. I usually visit California in the summer as I have family and friends out there, and bring my bike - get some good training in in the hills and get on some great group rides. I'd love to do a couple of races while I'm out there next year, do you have a similar system to the UK, where you apply for a license, start and cat 5 - and work your way up via points? If so, do you know if I just apply for a license through US Cycling? Thanks for any help you can offer.

[@TheVCAdventures]

+Adam Lowe not totally sure on all that, I'm sure you can apply for a license but you may have to start at car 5, which actually doesn't require a license, just a one day form. If you come out this way, hit me up.

[@allthingsTechrelated]

Sooo motivating. After watching this video, I can now see myself on the start line. Thanks.

[@joelkurtzstudio]

love the poop reduction. solid advice even on a hard social ride.

[@peterhurley9731]

Terrific video. Well done, Again!!

[@BobbyVempati]

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

[@peterlaskiewicz8252]

The one bag comment as simple as it seems, is key. I got about 10 miles in the car on the way to the race before I realized I forgot my helmet.

[@impures]

great vid. subscribed after the fist grafic.

[@svenamundsen4879]

Going to be in my first Time Trial in a few years. Been training, eatin right, goin to the gym, working my abs (don't need a basket ball hanging down ....right?). What has been working for me is to take a few days off after some "intense" race practicing and then coming back focused, relaxed and doing surprisingly well on my next effort. Any insight you can share with me if different from what I've shared? My race is this coming Sunday. 20K. Feel good about it. Legs are in good shape. I know my bike and I know when to choose what gear and all that. Looking for a 30 -35 minute finish. Perhaps better when I get there...my focus is on my time verses winning or podium placement. Appreciate your insights. Thanks!!

[@davianlomboan2397]

First crit sucked. 5 laps in good position and someone's race number got stuck in my front fork. Tried using my and fingers and feet but didn't work. The i lost so much power and couldn't keep up with the pace which resulted me falling back behind and getting lapped.

[@LawrencedelfinDeleon]

This video is such a Confidence builder!

[@get1up2and3dance]

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

[@joespencer4204]

Got my first race this Thursday in the UK...nervous as hell 😉

[@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!

[@funkydisciple]

VC, i weigh 100kg, i know that puts me at a disadvantage already, but i can spin fast, got strong legs and I’m wondering if i would just look silly at a crit race when I’m much bigger than everyone else? I would love to race but dont want to embarrass myself