21FIXES

BEGINNER’S GUIDE
Be a Superfan
We love everything about watching bike races in person, but most of
all we love the crowds of flag-waving, cowbell-ringing, face-painting
fans. You will, too. Here’s how to join the fun. BY ROBERT ANNIS
FOR PRO ADVICE ON
CONQUERING YOUR
FIRST RACE, GO TO
BICYCLING.COM/
STARTINGLINE.
COME PREPARED
Whether you’re watching a
road, ’cross, or mountain bike
race, the course will offer few
spots to escape the elements.
Bring water and sunscreen on
sunny days. In foul weather,
pack a rain jacket, waterproof
boots, a hat, and gloves.
MAKE NOISE Ring cowbells, yell, and
cheer. An enthusiastic crowd motivates
racers and adds energy to the scene
between laps. Got a vuvuzela? Bring it. Or
bang on an old bike frame with a wrench—
the creativity will earn you serious cred.
FOLLOW THE CROWD
Avoid the finish line—
you can find out who
won on Twitter—and
seek out the largest
gathering of fans you
can. The most boisterous
spectators typically
gather near a crucial corner,
steep climb, or tricky
descent. That’s where
you want to be.
STAY ALERT
Riders are focusing on the
race, not the crowds, so stay
out of their way. Leash your
dog, keep off the course, and
whatever you do, don’t pose
for a selfie in the path of
oncoming riders.
LEARN THE LINGO
CRITERIUM
(cry-teer-i-um)
A road race on a short
circuit closed to cars
PRIME (preem)
A prize awarded during
a lap in the middle of
the race to create more
excitement
ALLEZ (al-lay)
A French word that
means “go on.” Fans at
the Tour de France shout
this at passing riders.
TIFOSI (ti-fo-zi)
An Italian word for
passionate sports fans,
particularly those along
the Giro d’Italia course
HUP (hup)
Borrowed from Dutch
football fans, this rhythmic,
motivational chant
is often yelled during
cyclocross races or a particularly
tough mountain
stage in a road race.
HAND-UP (hand up)
Small gifts spectators
give racers; typically
beer or dollar bills.
JOIN THE ACTION
No, you can’t take your bike onto the course
during the race, but you can sometimes hand out water, food,
or even dollar bills as racers blow past. Just make sure the event
you’re attending allows you to give assistance to riders.
IT’S OKAY TO...
Aggressively encourage
riders by heckling
or goading them as they
pass.
Add to the festive atmosphere
by showing up in
costume. The sillier the
better.
Bring your bike and ride
the course before the
race starts.
36 BICYCLING.COM • NOVEMBER 2014
Illustration by ZACHARIAH OHORA