Nic Ward’s Top 5 Travel Tips

Build your own race packing list and tick off everything you need. Knowing your destination, how you are going to get to your hotel, where the race bike shop and the race office are, as well as where to find the safest training venues and of course the local supermarket, are all something to think about.

Make sure you get a good night’s sleep the night before. As per point 1. Get everything organised so you are not up all hours packing. It’s also a good idea to take the day off training where possible to allow your body to be fresh and ready for a big day of travel ahead.

In the air, stay hydrated and avoid caffeine and alcohol- Bring your own water and healthy snacks for the flight. Get up and move around as much as possible and wear comfortable clothing with compression. Pack some earplugs for the flight (and I also find that earplugs come in handy for your hotel).

In the days leading in and at the airport avoid anyone with cold symptoms like they have the plague. Wash your hands, wash your hands, wash your hands. (I always carry a mini hand sanitiser in my carry-on luggage. Better safe than sorry).

Set your watch to your new time when you depart. Depending on arrival time: “make the most of the day” – don’t go straight to bed - try to synchronise yourself with the local time asap.

Most of this is common sense but you don’t want to put all those long hours of slogging it out over winter to waste.

Train safe and Keep Smiling!

Nic

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