Preparing for Race Day with the Veloraptors

🗓️ The Race Weekend Overview

Saturday: Course Pre-Ride

Pre-riding the course is one of the most valuable things a rider can do.

Plan for:

• Pre-ride usually around 3:00PM, but each race will be announced beforehand.

• Arrive one hour early for pre-ride

  • Park

  • Walk to venue

  • Find the Veloraptors team tent

  • Get briefed by coaches

Our team typically rides together, and we may wait 1/2 hour for when the track is less crowded.

During the pre-ride:

• Focus on key sections, not speed

• Identify:

  • Technical climbs

  • Descents

  • Passing zones

• Stay controlled and conserve energy

Sunday: Race Day

Plan to arrive at least 2 hours before your race start

Find your race start time by viewing the race flyer found here: https://newjerseymtb.org/2026-racing-season-information/
Find your race category here on Pitzone: https://pitzone.nationalmtb.org/

This time is used for:

• Parking (which can take longer than expected)

• Walking to the venue

• Setting up at the team tent

• Getting race-ready without stress

👉 Bonus: Arriving early lets you cheer on teammates racing before you — a big part of the Veloraptors culture.

🚴‍♂️ 1. Prepare Your Bike (Day Before)

A well-prepared bike prevents race-day stress.

Check:

• Tires inflated and in good condition with fresh tire sealant if tubeless

• Brakes working properly

• Chain clean and lubricated

• Gears shifting smoothly

• Bolts tight (especially wheels and cockpit)

Bring to the race:

• Spare tube

• Pump or CO2

• Basic tools

If something feels off, fix it before race morning.

🎒 2. Pack Your Race Gear

Getting organized the night before makes race morning easy.

Rider essentials:

• Helmet (required)

• Veloraptor Team Jersey and shorts

• Gloves

• Sunglasses or riding glasses

• Cycling shoes

• Water bottles or hydration pack

• Extra filled water bottles if using the refueling station during the race

• Snacks and recovery food

👉 Pro tip: Pack everything in one bag so nothing gets left behind.

🍽️ 3. Fuel Your Body

The Night Before

• Eat a balanced dinner

• Hydrate well

• Get a good night’s sleep

Race Morning (1–3 hours before)

Good pre-race carb options:

• Oatmeal with fruit

• Toast with peanut butter

• Banana or apple

• Yogurt

• Eggs + toast

Avoid trying anything new on race day.

Hydration

Sip water throughout the morning — don’t wait until the start line.

⏱️ 4. Race Day Timeline (Example)

Every race varies slightly, but this is a good model:

• Arrive at venue: ~2 hours before your race time

• Set up at team tent

• Check-in / number plate pickup

• Light spin in designated warm-up area to get the jitters out

• Team meeting with coaches

• Race warm-up 30 minutes before race start in designated area

• Staging 15 minutes before race start

• Race start

Coaches will guide riders through the exact schedule.

🏁 5. Staging & Start Line Tips

This is where nerves kick in — knowing what to expect helps.

• Be at staging early

• Line up in the correct position

• Stay relaxed and focused

• Listen to race officials

• Start smooth — don’t sprint blindly

• Know your starting gear

👉 Smart starts set up strong races.

🔥 6. Warm Up Properly

A good warm-up prepares the body to perform.

Typical warm-up:

• 10–15 minutes easy riding

• 2–3 short efforts (20–30 seconds at race pace)

• Light stretching if needed

Finish warm-up about 5–10 minutes before staging and stay warm.

⚠️ 7. Important Venue Rule (Read This!)

🚫 NO RIDING BIKES IN THE VENUE OR INFIELD

• This includes parking areas, team tents, and spectator zones

• Riders must walk bikes in these areas

❗ Breaking this rule can result in a team penalty

This is taken seriously — please respect it.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 8. Parents & Pit Crew Guide

Parents play a huge role in a smooth race day.

Helpful items to bring:

• Collapsible camping chairs or blanket

• Extra layers (weather changes fast)

• Towels or wipes

• Bike tools / pump

• Water and snacks

• Hats and sunscreen

Team Tent Contribution (Optional but Awesome)

It’s always appreciated when families bring something to share:

Great options:

• Fruit (bananas, oranges, grapes)

• Bagels or pretzels

• Granola bars

• Trail mix

• Electrolyte drinks

• Gallon of water

• Team will supply Jersey Mikes subs for the athletes

💪 9. Post-Race Recovery

After the race:

Riders should:

• Cool down with easy spinning if possible

• Hydrate (water or electrolytes)

• Eat a recovery snack within 30–60 minutes

• Stretch and relax

Great recovery options:

• Chocolate milk

• Protein shake

• Turkey sandwich

• Greek yogurt + fruit

• Rice cakes with peanut butter

• Pasta salad

🎉 10. After the Finish

Race day isn’t just about your race.

• Return to the team tent

• Cheer on teammates

• Share stories and highlights

• Participate in team time and photos

This is where the Veloraptors culture really shines.

🏨 11. Travel Tip (For Distant Races)

If the race venue is far:

• Consider staying at a nearby hotel

• Attend Saturday pre-ride

• Enjoy a relaxed race morning on Sunday

This makes the entire experience smoother and less stressful.

🚴‍♀️ 12. Ride Smart & Represent the Team

NICA racing is about more than results.

• Ride within your ability

• Pass safely and respectfully

• Follow course markings

• Encourage others

• Represent the Veloraptors with pride

• Have a personal goal. Just complete a lap... or just complete the race. Try to better your time on the same course from the year before. Or go for a podium. Podium finish or not, have fun!

🙌 Enjoy the Experience

Race day is about growth, effort, and having fun.

The Veloraptors are proud to be part of the NJ NICA league, where every rider is encouraged to do their best, learn from the experience, and enjoy the ride.

We look forward to seeing our riders prepared, confident, and ready to race.