The L’Alsacienne Cyclosportive is slowly getting closer (less than three weeks away!) and you are most probably making your final preparations. Our sports coach Eric presents six mistakes to avoid as the event gets nearer, to be on form on the big day, and above all to make the most of the event.
1 - Overtraining
First-timers at cyclosportives often tend to train far more in the month preceding the event. More often than not, this unusual training load leads to tiredness as the body is not sufficiently prepared. Your success in the L’Alsacienne cyclosportive depends on the contrary on regularity and continuous progression since the start of the year.
Above all, if you have not been able to train as you wanted (due to professional or family obligations, health problem etc.),don’t try to make up the kilometres lost! Set yourself a new target by changing to a less demanding course.
2 - Delaying the organisation of your trip
It is better to sort out the logistical aspects early enough, to avoid unnecessary stress. Choose your accommodation and organise the trip as early as possible, and in any case without waiting until the last week before the event. You will be calmer.
It is also not the best idea to prepare your bag at the last minute. As with training, it’s better to anticipate. Before every cyclosportive, there are panic-stricken entrants hunting for a pair of shoes, a helmet or a windcheater etc.
3 - Changing your equipment or cycling position hastily
Obviously, if your equipment breaks during the final training session, you will have to find an urgent solution. But except in this extreme case, avoid investing at the last minute in a new bike, new components (such as wheels, derailleur, saddle, handlebars, pedals etc.) or new equipment (shoes, helmet etc.).
It is better to start the race feeling fully confident, with equipment you have tested and approved. As regards your position on the bike, you will have noticed any problems well in advance and made adjustments several weeks ago. There’s no need to keep on worrying about it!
4 - Rushing about before the race
Another thing that is easy to do, to avoid wasting too much energy even before you even start riding, is to arrive early enough.
You are strongly advised to collect your bib number on the day before the event. The atmosphere is much more relaxed, and you will be able to chat to the organisers and other cyclists. You can take advantage of the reception village with its show.
You may get some information about the circuit, and advice that could help you to avoid certain mistakes. Above all, in the morning you will concentrate on other things (clothes, supplies, tyre pressure etc.) and get to the starting area well in advance. There’s no point rushing!
5 - Indulging in a pasta party
The day before the event, it is important not to overload your body . Eating pasta is still a good solution, but the traditional pasta party is to be avoided. Your energy reserves do not depend on your last meal. If it is too rich, it will upset your digestion and your sleep, which are essential.
To manage your diet as effectively as possible as the event draws near, see our dietary advice here
6 - Testing a new drink
One mistake that is unfortunately still common is to use a new drink on the big day, perhaps thinking that it will give you something extra... The event should not be a testing ground, whether for a sports drink or for energy bars or other gels. And if the organisation offers you a sample, it is better not to test it during the event.
In conclusion...
The few mistakes described above are still common and may make the cyclosportive go less well for you.
If we could give you just one piece of advice, it would probably be not to decide to completely change your habits as the event draws closer.
- Don’t overtrain
- Don’t change the equipment you are used to
- Don’t have a pasta party or dinner that is too copious
- Don’t test new energy products
We would probably also tell you how important it is to organise your trip and the hours before the start as well as possible, so you are not stressed for the cyclosportive and start the day in the best possible way, with a smile!
Éric GEHIN
Conseiller sportif Breveté d’Etat
DU Biologie de l’Entraînement
