Summary:
Distance cyclists rely on support and gear (SAG´s) to make it through the longest of races. This article provides tips on making anyone with a love of cycling into the ultimate SAG.

Details or Sample:
Whether for an elite long distance cyclist or someone riding just one or two centuries a year, having a SAG (support and gear) team can mean the difference between finishing the race or abandoning after the first 50 kilometers. Carrying extra water, inner tubes, compressed air, carbohydrate powder, electrolyte tablets and sometimes just a supportive word, SAG’s strategically place themselves at race control points to help long distance riders get back on the road faster. Think of them as a pit crew for cyclists. Working quickly to replace water bottles or change out lights, knowing what to do and when to do it is what makes a SAG valuable to the rider.

While just about anyone with a love of cycling and a car can be a SAG, there are a few characteristics that set the ultimate SAG apart from the everyday one.

First, know the rules of the race. Different classifications of racing have different rules for supporting riders. While you may see chase cars following along behind the elite racers in the Tour de France, Brevet series riders can only receive support at official race control points. Giving personal support to a rider on the course will result in disqualification of the rider. Not good news for someone who may be only a few km’s short of finishing a 400 km race. That’s over 250 miles of racing down the drain because a SAG didn’t follow the rules.

Arrive at control points early. It is better to head for the next one as soon as your rider leaves the last one. Even if there is a five hour ride time between points, scoping out the spot and making sure you are in the area is critical. Being late to the control point because you stopped for dinner doesn’t do the rider any good.

Once at the control point, have the gear ready. If switching from daytime to nighttime racing, have lights and batteries set up and ready to install. Have the carbohydrate powder already mixed in the bottles, ready to switch out as soon as the rider pulls in. If using electrolyte tablets, have the bottle in plain view so they aren’t forgotten.

Know the route. If riding in an area that is unfamiliar, use the down time between control points to drive ahead and learn the turns. Often riders pull into control points tired and slightly disoriented. If a SAG knows exactly where they go from there it helps get the riders back on the road with confidence. It also helps to know the topography ahead. If it is all downhill to the next control point, let the riders know. On the flip side, if they are facing a killer climb just out of town, don’t be overly dramatic. Better to tell them they have a grade up ahead and then a lot of downhill. In addition to being a mechanic, a good SAG has a little psychologist in them as well.

Lastly, be a team player. Even though cycling is largely an individual sport, offering an extra bottle of water or lending repair tools to other riders is the right thing to do. A lot of riders use drop bags instead of SAG’s to make it through the long rides and sometimes they either underestimate or just plain forget something. Sharing doesn’t hurt the personal SAG’s rider and there is always time between control points to hit the grocery store for more water, energy bars or caffeine.

Whether working to support one rider or a team of twenty, being prepared and following the rules will make you the ultimate SAG.

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Written by: Stephanie Tallman Smith
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