Sportive essentials: how to nail your first overseas century
I published this shortlist of travel essentials two years ago after riding the Maratona; now in transit to Majorca, I’m reminded of its usefulness. Do I follow these “maxims?” The short answer is sometimes. I do however adhere to one that’s not listed: the rule of 5,000 km, otherwise known as the minimum mileage I think legs need before riding a Dolomite-style sportive (part of the reason I’m off to Spain for an endurance week; the other is to ride for bragging rights with a bunch of middle aged children).
If you’re sitting in an airport lounge reading this and thinking, “where’s am I riding next?”, these essentials might help. Six weeks to go till the Fausto Coppi Granfondo - another three till the Granfondo San Gottardo. Here’s hoping the legs will be ready.
Rent a bike: renting a bike for a sportive might seem counter-intuitive. But with high-end rentals so widely available across Italy, Spain and France, you can save yourself a lot of headache by leaving your bike behind. No need to wrench on either end, no worry of whether your frame will be nicked in transit; renting might even be cheaper (anywhere from 120-250 euros a week) than the baggage fees it costs to take yours with. The peace of mind of mind is well worth it. Pro tip: spec out if your seat tube will fit into your rental and take yours with, saddle attached; it’ll give your ride a familiar and more comfortable fit and feel.
Bring your own food: even when riding Italian or Swiss sportives, where food is generally real and pretty good, I still bring my own. Nutella and spelt cakes serves me well - a formula that works - why deviate? Ask yourself when packing if you can live with whatever the food sponsor makes available, or if packing a 400g tin of spreadable chocolate is essential to your performance. When it comes to ride day, it’ll likely be a combo of both that serves as fuel.
Show up early: arrive at the fondo early and ride the roads, especially the climbs. Ride every day and from different directions, easing off the gas the day before the event. Visualizing where you are on the course helps you mentally overcome distance and elevation challenges, particularly if you find yourself grinding day-of. Knowing you can crush a climb will enhance your state of mind and make getting to the finish line easier.
Have wrench, will travel: if you decide to bring your own bike to the event, bring the tools you need to set it up. That means your own pedal and 5mm torque wrench, grease and paste and a floor pump. Don’t rely on a local shop or your bike hotel for these essentials. Being self sufficient eliminates variables and will have you on the road almost immediately after you check-in.
Bring one of everything: riding in high mountains means varied weather. On the Passo Gavia in 2016, we had scorching sun at the base and golf ball sized hail at the top. Key lesson? Have one of everything in your kit bag. Long sleeves jerseys, sleeves, gilets, a jacket - with mountain weather these are must haves. Summer at home doesn't mean it will be when you arrive at your event. Having different means not incurring unnecessary costs and being prepared for the weather when you approach the start.