Complete a mountain-bike stage race
Choose a named multi‑day mountain‑bike event (two or more timed stages), read the organiser’s rider guide, and commit to finishing every stage under the race rules. Decide whether you enter as a solo rider, pair or part of a supported team and confirm required licence, kit and on-course support options before you travel. Prepare with a focused training block that builds day-to-day endurance rather than just one-day power: include repeated hard days, a few back-to-back long rides, and active recovery plus nutrition practice so you learn what your stomach tolerates on stage two and beyond. Service your bike, practise quick mechanical fixes, and ride terrain similar to the event during the last two months of training. Plan logistics early: pack a stage-race go‑bag (daily changes, spares, tools, helmet and shoes), arrange travel and accommodation near the race village, and book any paid mechanical or drop-bag services the organiser offers. On race days prioritise pacing, on-bike fuel and immediate post-stage recovery (protein + carbs, hydration, sleep) to preserve performance across consecutive days. On event weekend follow race briefings, respect course marshals and cut-offs, and ride conservatively through technical or exposed sections where the consequence of a crash is high. If you are new to stage races consider a shorter local event first, or enter an organiser-run novice or guided category to learn stage-race routines without full logistical burden.