Racing Off-Road - First Time Tips
- Kerri-Ann Upham
- Jan 17, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 5, 2024
Racing an off-road multi-sport event for the first time can be a daunting experience.
Will the course be technical?
What do I need to do?
Will I even be able to finish the race?
My introduction to the sport was back in 2018 at "The Stinger Duathlon" held in South West England. Despite racing road triathlons for many years, I remember feeling incredibly nervous. With XTERRA Matterly Duathlon just around the corner, I wanted to share my top tips for reaching the finish line with a smile on your face.
Training: Practice your Race
Practice your race in training as close to race conditions as possible - including testing your equipment, nutrition and transitions. My "go to" session in preparation for an XTERRA race is the mountain bike brick which I do at my local trail center:
Warm Up
10mins - Easy MTB
Main Session
20mins - MTB at race pace
10mins - Trail Run at race pace
Repeat 2-4 times depending on race distance
Cool Down
10mins - Easy MTB
Pre-Race: Register & Check Out the Race Village
Arrive at the race venue early, allow plenty of time to get registered and familiarise yourself with the layout of the race village and transition areas. Be assured that upon arrival your nerves will be eased as the friendly XTERRA crew welcome you to the event and answer any questions you may have!
Top Tip: pay attention to the rules regarding where your numbers need to go, it's slightly different to racing on the road as you will need to attach a plastic number board to the front of your bike.
Pre-Race: Check Out the Course
XTERRA is known for their epic courses that traverse all sorts of challenging terrain. Make sure you allow enough time to complete a practice lap before the race.
Top Tip: take it easy, ride steady and pay attention to the terrain and line options.
Racing: Stay Calm and Focused
Nervous, excited, anxious - there are a lot of jittery feelings on the start line for beginners and pros alike, keep yourself calm and focus on your race.
Someone behind you racing faster?
It is their responsibility to pass you, simply move to the side at the next safest opportunity and let the rider go.
Struggling to ride a section?
Get off and run! Sometimes it is actually quicker to run than it is to ride - just make sure you move to the side of the trail allowing others who are riding to pass you.
Racing: Keep Fighting
Off-road racing can be grueling.
The challenging terrain makes racing as much of a mental challenge as it is physical. During my first off-road duathlon the ground was so muddy I struggled to stay on my bike on the flat sections, so I got off and pushed. I was convinced I was in last place, but I got my head down and focused on moving forwards - much to my surprise I finished the race first!
One of the most amazing things about XTERRA is that it is a battle and things rarely go as planned, but you never know what can happen if you don’t stop fighting!
Racing: Fuel Early and Often
Fueling is critical in off-road racing, not only for keeping your body moving but also for keeping your brain switched on. I recall a race in Ibiza where I under-fueled on the bike and spent the entire run course tripping over my own feet - my brain was short of sugar, I was stumbling around like a drunk at the end of a night out!
Practice your nutrition in training and devise a tried and tested plan for the race.
Top Tip: during the course practice lap pay attention to areas on the course where you can take on nutrition - there will be some sections where you won't want to take your hands off the bars for a gel!
The Finish Line Feeling!
Crossing the finish line of my first off-road event I was full of emotion, relieved that I made it to the end, proud to have conquered the course and elated by the entire off-road experience - I was hooked.
Everyone has their own adventure and when you cross that finish line you will be sharing war stories and comparing battle scars with fellow competitors.
Completing an off-road event is a massive achievement.
Smile when you cross the line.
Enjoy the moment.
And welcome to the XTERRA family!
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