Spring is just around the corner, bringing warmer, sunnier days and the perfect excuse to get back out on your bike. You may even be thinking of signing up for a sportive to put your winter training to the test, but what should you consider before heading out?

What is a cycling sportive?

A cycling sportive is a non-competitive, long-distance cycling event, typically ranging from 20 to 200 miles. Designed for riders of all abilities, sportives are a great way to challenge yourself, test your endurance, and enjoy riding in an event environment with other likeminded riders!

Below, we’ve highlighted everything you need to consider before heading to your next cycling sportive to ensure a stress-free and enjoyable day.

Pick the right event

Choosing the right sportive is key to having an enjoyable experience. While it’s important to challenge yourself, being unrealistic can lead to burnout, injury, or failing to finish the event.

So, if this is your first sportive, consider selecting one that’s relatively close to home and within a manageable distance. Familiar surroundings can help reduce stress and make logistics easier on the day, so all you have to think about it the distance ahead.

Familiarise yourself with the route

Understanding the route will help you tailor your training and avoid unwanted surprises. If possible, explore the course in advance, you can drive it to get a feel for the terrain, or cycle sections of it if it’s nearby so that you know what to expect on the day. Breaking the route into manageable chunks can make training feel more achievable and help build the specific fitness required.

If the event is too far away to visit in person, platforms like Strava or Google Maps are great tools for studying elevation profiles and key sections. For distant events, booking accommodation the night before can help you arrive well-rested and ready to ride.

Pack the right accessories

When it comes to preparing for your sportive, making sure you have the right accessories packed can make all the difference on the day. Being organised will help you stay comfortable, prepared, and focused on the ride ahead.

Use the following checklist as a solid starting point:

  • Arm warmers – Ideal for early spring sportives, arm warmers provide an extra layer of warmth and can be easily removed and stored away once temperatures rise.
  • Gloves – There’s nothing worse than tackling a long ride with bare hands. Gloves are small and easy to misplace, so it’s a good idea to pack a couple of pairs just in case.
  • Performance tracker – However you choose to track your ride, make sure you can monitor your distance and effort to help pace yourself throughout the event.
  • Bottles – Staying hydrated is essential. Carry at least two bottles: one for water and another for an electrolyte or energy drink to keep your energy levels up.
  • Tools – Don’t let a puncture stop you from reaching the finish line. Carry at least one spare inner tube, tyre levers, and a pump so you can deal with basic mechanical issues.
  • Chamois cream – When things start to rub, chamois cream can help prevent discomfort and chafing. It can also be used on any sore spots developing under your gloves.
  • Bike rack – To transport your bike safely, investing in a quality bike rack is a far better option than placing your bike in the back of your car and risking damage to both the bike and vehicle.

Build a training plan

Preparation is the foundation of a successful sportive., so create a training plan that reflects the demands of your route, focusing on both distance and terrain.

Practise pushing the pace on flat sections, work on steady pacing for climbs, and improve your aerobic fitness to avoid fatigue. Rather than riding the full event distance regularly, aim to cover around 75–80% of it in training, while focusing on the specific skills required – there’s no point practicing long swooping downhill sections if most of the ride is uphill or vice versa.

Riding in a group is also important, as you’ll be surrounded by other cyclists on the day. Practising drafting and riding close to others’ wheels will help you ride more confidently, so take a few friends out with you on practice rides.

Check your bike is in good condition

Avoid race-day disappointment by ensuring your bike is fully prepared. Before the event, carry out a few essential checks:

  • Inspect tyres for wear or damage
  • Ensure brake pads are clean and not worn down
  • Check rims for wear
  • Make sure the chain is clean, lubricated, and in good condition

A well-maintained bike can be the difference between finishing strong and not finishing at all. Even after you’ve conducted your own checks, why not get one of our experts to conduct a Free Bike Health Check, where we will check over your key components including; drivetrain, wheels, brake systems and frame.

Create a nutrition plan

Fuelling properly is just as important as training. In the weeks leading up to your event, focus on eating well and practising your on-bike nutrition. Most sportives provide food stations, but it’s best to rely on familiar foods that you know work for your body. Bring your own breakfast and energy products to avoid stomach troubles on the day!

For rides lasting longer than 90 minutes, increase your carbohydrate intake with foods like oats and cereals both on the day and leading up to it. Doing this helps maximise glycogen stores, giving your muscles the energy they need to perform.

Enjoy it

Above all, remember that sportives are meant to be enjoyed. You’re not racing anyone else, but instead you’re challenging yourself. Take in the atmosphere, pace yourself, and celebrate the achievement of reaching the finish line!