SHARKS RACE WEEKEND SURVIVAL GUIDE 

First NICA race? You’ve got this.

Race weekends can feel like a LOT the first time around. Bikes. Gear. Start times. Pit zones. Prerides. Food. Where am I supposed to go?! 😵‍💫

That’s why we made this Sharks-style guide to help riders and families know what to expect.

The biggest thing to remember?

Come prepared. Ask questions. Cheer loudly. Have fun. And keep moving forward. 🦈🧡

🎒 PACK LIKE A SHARK

Your rider basics:

Bike + helmet + shoes + Sharks jersey + riding shorts + gloves + bottles/hydration.

Then prepare for Mother Nature to do whatever she wants. ☀️🌧️🥶💨

Bring layers, sunscreen, sunglasses, rain gear, towels, dry clothes, plenty of food and water, and something comfy for hanging around the Sharks pit. NICA specifically recommends being prepared for changing weather and bringing extra food and drinks rather than assuming they'll be available at the venue.

And one of our favorite pro tips:

Take that number plate OFF before driving home.
Highway speeds + race plates = 🪽👋.

🏁 IT'S RACE DAY!

Find the Sharks pit and you've found home base.

That's where we'll gather, get bikes and riders ready, warm up, eat, laugh, probably lose something we literally just had, and cheer on our teammates.

Know your start time and be ready before you need to be at staging. NICA recommends riders arrive at the start area at least 10–15 minutes before their race.

And helmets. Always helmets.

If you're on your bike, your helmet is on your head — racing, preriding, warming up or just pedaling around the venue.

🚵 RIDE LIKE A SHARK

Pre-ride the course. Learn the lines, find the tricky spots and make a plan.

Start smart. You don't have to win the race in the first 30 seconds.

Pass respectfully. Communicate clearly when you're coming around another rider.

Finish YOUR race.

Fast, slow, podium, personal best, mechanical, tough day — every race gives us something to learn. NICA's guide emphasizes pacing, communication while passing, finishing in control, and reflecting on what you learned afterward.

Eyes up. Be brave. Keep going. 🦈

📣 SHARK PARENTS & SPECTATORS

Your job is VERY important:

CHEER.

Bring the cowbells. Bring the energy. Cheer for your Shark. Cheer for their teammates. Cheer for kids from other teams.

And yes — we cheer for the last rider just as loudly as the first.

Follow course marshals, stay off the race course unless you're told it's safe to cross, and keep encouragement positive. That's exactly the kind of spectator culture NICA asks families to create.

🧡 THE SHARK WAY

Race weekends aren't really about a finishing place.

They're about learning to do hard things.

They're about teammates screaming your name when your legs are toast.

They're about coaches helping you solve problems.

They're about parents, volunteers and teammates creating a place where every kid belongs.

They're about showing up for one another — all the way until the last Shark crosses the line.

Bring your bike.
Bring your snacks.
Bring your cowbell.
Bring your best Shark energy.

We'll handle the rest together. 🦈✨

Fun first. Work hard. Race harder.