How To Prepare For Your First Mountain Bike Race

Mountain bike races can be a lot of fun, but preparing for one can be quite confusing if you’ve never competed before. Both experienced pro riders and novice racers can feel underprepared, mentally as well as physically, but that doesn’t mean that it shouldn’t be fun. Here Neil gives his advice about how you can choose the right type of event, enter and train for it, as well as some good race day tips to make sure that you’re ready to race 🏁

Covering training and nutrition, research and race entry this video can help you enter your first race or competition. Neil also gives his advice to overcome pre race nerves and essential spares you might want to carry with you on the day.

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[gmbn]

What advice would you give to someone getting into racing? Leave your thoughts in the comments below 👇

[rejackson]

greatest mechanic in the world right there

[philipkerr]

I would say for your first race, don't be to concerned with what others are doing around you. Don't be constantly looking over your shoulder to see if someone is going to pass you if they are going too, they will vocalize it with you. Also remember, not everyone is out to get you! Races are fun and people are most of the time courteous to others, so don't overload yourself worrying about the people around you. Just have fun and most importantly race at a good pace and tempo for you. Yes, its a race but, really work on improving skills that will truly help you in the long run. Be mindful of working on your corners, intervals, and sprints before you worry about time. Overall, have a great time! Races are not as intense and crazy as you think they are, go out and do one!

[WorldwideCyclery]

This is awesome! Everyone should try a race at least once!

[shxya]

Funny how I’m watching this 5 hours after my first race.... it went great tho, finished in 16th place, I don’t really know how many people competed in the same race as me, but there’s 4 different races throughout the day and a total of 18000 people, so I’m pretty proud of myself tbh

[BlokHed]

Just enjoy it! I've been racing Jr xc for 2 seasons now and I've just gone in with the goal to improve. Biggest thing I learned is to get up from your crash and finish! In fact my first time on a trail ever was at my first race, I went otb on the practice lap and returned to our pit bloody and smiling. I have only gotten one podium at a smaller independent race. Just remember to have fun because that's why we do this in the firs t place

[lilwillie]

Signed up for first enduro




Ate shit on the part everyone was watching

[mitchwarren]

Taken that on board putting my trophy shelf up now💪

[Mechanicalmadness]

This would have been great if this video came out 1 month ago because 2 weeks ago, I had my first race. I crashed on the first lap and lost 20 places but in the end. I came 33rd out of 70, so I'm pretty happy with that. Thanks to all you guys at GMBN for making this possible for me. Mountain biking has changed my life and I want to thank you all

[roamingwolfpack]

Man I needed this video like a month ago for my first race. I was under prepared and bonked about 1/4 mile from the finish, but didn't know I was so close. Had to sit down for a few minutes and could have finished it in that time. Not enough food! Thanks for posting this though.

[headoverbars]

one of the best GMBN videos.

Thanks Neil!

[Daniel-hhkh]

As much as group rides and fun rides are great, racing is definitely an awesome way to spot any areas of your riding that need work. Also can't help but notice the flat rear tyre in the last clip 😂

Awesome video guy's

[thepiedish]

I know this is an old video but I just wanted to thank you for the tips. I just entered my first ever race! Two years after a traumatic brain injury I'm going to give it a go! I'm pumped.

[tombridgehouse]

Ard Rock this year was my first race and I loved it, could’ve done more training but I’ve learnt for next time

[divahawk]

My First Race is on Sunday and I am really excited to start it off Well!!!! Thanks for the tips!!!

[shortchainstays]

Riding my first DH race pretty soon, so this is awesome timing!

[chrissr]

YouTube on top of recommendations since my 1st race is in 2 days

[richpearson]

Myself and my 11yr old daughter have entered the 4th round of the Scott mtb marathon series in September, we’re doing the mini (25k) route to see how it all goes, really looking forward to it and this video has just helped no end, thanks 👍🏼👍🏼

[tuetis]

i just raced my second XC! I live in Durango, Colorado and some locals named Todd Wells and Ned Overend were there... I pretended to be fast but within 45 seconds or so they were out of my sight. But I saw them again when they lapped me on my second lap around, so it was awesome! Racing is really fun and everyone there is super supportive and excited just like you. I was dead last in my category but I don't care, I would do it again in a heart beat!

[ASIN_WNG_]

Hi Neil



Edit: Thanks for the heart