How to Succeed at Your First Road Race

A road race is rarely a contest of who can pedal the hardest. It's more of a pulse-pounding game of psychology, skill, and luck. While you shouldn't expect to win your first time out, you should try to navigate the event with the savvy of a more experienced rider—both on and off the course. Here's your guide.

More: 10 Tips for Beginning Road Racers

Before

Check in, pin on your number, and prep your bike. Then, about 30 minutes before the start, get in a quick spin to warm up. Use the time to locate the mechanic's pit or support vehicles, first-aid tent, and precise location of the finish line. (Important: Wear your helmet—it's a rule.) Get to the starting line at least 10 minutes before go time, and listen closely to prerace instructions specific to the event and course.

More: 6 Pre-Race Mental Preparation Tips

During

There's no need for a furious start--allow a group to form in front of you, then draft among or behind them (be safe and follow these Group Riding Rules). The idea is to keep up while pedaling as little as possible.

More: 5 Tips for Faster Race Finishes

Prevent a gap from opening between you and riders ahead, which will help you save energy so you can pass dropped riders or stay with the leaders over hills.

Above all, relax. Races play out in one of two ways: Either a small group accelerates away from the main field and those riders duke it out amongst themselves, or the entire group stays together and gallops to the line. Increase your odds of making the winning breakaway by riding aggressively when others are tired—on climbs or after fast sections. If a field sprint looks like a possibility, position yourself near the front of the group but stay out of the wind until the final 100 to 200 meters, when you can unleash an all-out charge to the finish.

More: Race Strategies for Breaking Away

After

Race officials typically post results near the registration area. Standings become final after a 15-minute protest period. Earned a prize? Collect it by presenting your race number and license at the registration table.

More: How to Bounce Back From a Bad Bike Race

Dos and Don'ts of Race Safety

Do

• Hold a steady line through corners
• Communicate road hazards to riders nearby
• Watch body language to anticipate where other riders might go

Don't

• Slow abruptly or jam on the brakes
• Make erratic movements (but you should always expect others to do so)
• Stop or swerve after the finish line

More: Pacing Strategy: Flat Out or Even Steven?

License to Race

A USA Cycling license costs $60 for a year or $10 for a day. Cyclists are divided into categories according to ability and experience, with separate races for each group. All racers begin in Category 5, and results count toward upgrades all the way to Category 1, the highly competitive top of the amateur food chain.

More: Do I Need a USA Cycling Racing License?

10 Race day Faux Pas To Avoid

1. Sloppy number-pinning. Use at least six pins to secure it to your jersey to prevent flapping or tugging.
2. Racing with a saddle bag, pump, or reflectors--anything that's associated with training or commuting.
3. Yelling "Hold your line!" at everybody who gets in your way. Don't be that person.
4. Tossing empty food wrappers onto the course.
5. Wearing another team's clothing. Save the BMC kit for your training ride.
6. Listening to music while riding. It's against the rules, unsafe, and violates the social nature of bike racing.
7. Leaving a chainring mark on your calf (especially if said calf is unshaven).
8. Continuing to race after you get dropped. If the main group leaves you behind, it's game over.
9. Sprinting for a nonresult. Etiquette dictates that you coast in if you're outside the top 10, or the points or prize list.
10. 10 Posting a victory salute for any result other than the win, including midrace sprints.

More: Bike Racing 101