Mudgee Classic 2026 countdown: Getting you prepped this week

With the Mudgee Classic on this weekend (yay!), we’re hoping you’ve tapered nicely and are feeling well rested and fresh.

It’s worth taking a moment now to focus on the final few days before race day. I know from my own experience of ultra distance riding, ultramarathons and of course Gran Fondo events that the last 24 to 48 hours are where small decisions can make a meaningful difference, and help you arrive at the start line well-fuelled, well-hydrated and free of avoidable mistakes.

Firstly – make a list, and check it twice. Write down everything you need in your kit for race day today. If you need to buy gels or other nutrition, do it early in the week so you’re not rushing into Coles at 9pm on Friday hoping they have a decent selection in the sports nutrition aisle.

It’s also worth mentioning that with 3,000 riders heading into Mudgee this weekend, the local supermarkets and bike stores will be under the pump, so do what you can to get everything ready in advance, especially if you’re travelling in from out of town.

It’s also worth planning your nutrition this week, and while I won’t attempt to tell you what you should and shouldn’t eat, in the days leading in, shifting your meals toward carbohydrate-rich foods helps ensure your glycogen stores are topped up without the need for any extreme carb loading.

Familiar staples like rice, pasta, oats and bread have always been a good bet for me, while keeping things relatively low in fibre and fat can help avoid any unnecessary gut issues. But, don’t overdo it – there’s no need to go crazy packing in tons of food a few days out, and don’t go and eat a huge steak meal the night before. You want to feel energised, not heavy.

This week, it’s also worth having a few electrolytes to build up your reserves. An electrolyte drink with your lunch or dinner is a good idea, and although conditions are looking pretty good with overcast weather for the weekend, you’ll still want to be well hydrated for a long day in the sun.

Like with food, by race morning you should feel comfortably hydrated, not bloated.

You’ll also want to try and get plenty of sleep this week. In the week leading up to a major event, I use apps to limit my screen time, am rigid on lights out time, and try to read instead of scroll to calm the mind and induce sleep.

Finally, on the morning of the race, a simple, carbohydrate-focused meal a few hours before the start, and preferably something you have eaten before training rides, should be more than enough. Nerves can dull your appetite, so keeping things familiar and easy to digest is the safest approach. A small top-up closer to the start (for me it’s always a banana) can help ensure energy levels are stable as the pace lifts.

Some of these tips will be obvious of course, but I hope there is something in here that makes you at least thing a little strategically how best to set yourself up for a great day. Go well, and have fun out there!