Your Pre-Race Checklist

If you are riding your first Double Century on Saturday, chances are that you’re a little nervous. But in less than 24 hours all your hard work and training will pay off and you will be part of one of the most spectacular endurance cycling events of them all – the Coronation Double Century, presented by Cycle Lab. 

Here’s a quick checklist of last-minute essentials before you start on Saturday:

• Try to rest. The route is going to take a lot out of you and you will need all the energy you have.
• Check your bicycle one last time. Are the wheels on and do the brakes work? Are you ready to ride?
• Pin your race number to your cycling shirt.
• Fill your water bottles or hydration pack bladder with water and/or energy drinks.
• Pack enough winter woollies – this past week’s storms brought some cold weather!
• Pack your race gear.
• If you haven’t booked your seat at the Coronation Potjie Party (Friday evening) yet, check whether there is still space. This is a great place to carboload.
• Double-check your start time.
• Go to bed early.

• Have breakfast. It’ll be the most important meal of your Race Day, but be sure to eat something you are used to.
• When getting dressed, follow the toes-up routine, starting with your toes/feet (socks, shoes, transponder/timing chip), working up to your head (shades, sweatband and helmet).
• Have one final team meeting to discuss tactics and strategy.
• Stretch for a good 10 minutes before you are due to start.
• Enjoy the ride!

Enjoy post-race bliss:

Tired cyclists can treat their weary muscles to a revitalising massage at the finish on race day between 11am and 4:40pm. Three qualified sports massage therapists will be on standby to make you feel like new. A 20-minute leg or back massage will cost R70.