Surviving cycling marathon
Cycling in a large group of cyclists, what marathons are all about, requires certain skills and a little practice of riding in a group in advance. With more than a thousand riders starting a marathon, it is essential that we remain tolerant and respectful to others. As visibility is limited due to large groups, always try to signal all dangerous parts and potential hazards on the road to the cyclists behind you. Either by saying it out loud or by using hand signals. In a large group things don’t always go our way, so try to remain calm and patient. To allow yourself enough time to get ready, arrive at the start early and try to register in advance to avoid crowds. This will allow you to focus on your ride and prepare all the essentials you need to take along on a longer cycling ride. Last minute haste will only cause nervousness and make you forget a thing or two you might need later on the road.
Before you attach your start number, please make sure you fill in all the fields on the reverse side. Cycling, as all activities, is unfortunately not accident- free. Such data will be of great help to medical personnel in the unfortunate case of injury or accident.
When on the road, remain attentive. Observe your perimeter; see what is going on hundred metersv in front of you, so you are prepared. Try not to force your way in a group, if it isn’t safe. It is a long ride and surely you will get many chances to safely overtake slower cyclists that may be blocking you at the start. Special attention should be paid to drafting. Normally the distance between cyclists’ wheels should be no more than 40 to 50 centimeters to be effective. Distance should be much longer in a large group ride, since there is enough draft anyways. It will also be much safer as you will have a broader view of your perimeter.
There are refreshment points along the route of every marathon. Use them to remain well hydrated and fuelled. It is essential that we signal to others in the group when we decide to stop. Especially when the speed of the group is high and not everyone intends to stop for refreshment. There will be a notice-board well in advance of every refreshment stop, allowing you to place yourself on the outside of the group and prepare to stop. In case you miss the notice-board and are unprepared for a stop, try not to make any sudden position changes in the group. Such actions may jeopardize you and other riders in a group.
Ride the marathon in accordance with your fitness level. By doing so, it will surely be a good experience.
Gorazd PENKO
Marathon director