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04-01-2024 | Jean-Marie Henckaerts

My ultimate packing list for gran fondos

As I prepare to go to the Giro Sardegna, I am looking at my packing list. I'm sharing my list in case it can be helpful. Let me know if there are any items I should add to this list. After the Giro, I may come back and update this list, depending on whether I realize I forgot something!


Part I. Cycling clothes

  • Cycling shoes
  • Socks
  • Shoe covers (small toe tip, full cover for rain, full cover for cold)
  • Bib shorts (number of bibs depends on the number of days on the bike and whether you can/want to wash them)
  • Shirts (number also depends on the numbers of days on the bike and whether you can/want to wash them; for short sleeve shirts this is very easy to do)
  • Wind stopper
  • Base layers
  • Arm warmers
  • Knee warmers (recommended for temperatures under 15 degrees Celsius)
  • Gloves (with and without fingers)
  • Rain jacket
  • Helmet and cap
  • Glasses/sunglasses

For colder weather

  • Wind jacket
  • Winter jacket
  • Warmer gloves
  • Leg warmers
  • Intermediate base layer
  • Long sleeve shirt
  • Winter tight
  • Warmer shoes and/or shoe covers
  • Headcover
  • Buffs

Part II. Cycling-specific personal care items 

  • Sunscreen
  • Chamois cream (before and after)
  • Massage oil 
  • Warm-up oil
  • Extra safety pins for a better attachment of the race number
  • Powerbank, preferably with more than 1 port

Part III. Electronics

  • Bike computer
  • Charger for the bike computer
  • Phone charger
  • Heart rate belt 
  • Compex (electronic stimulation e.g. for recuperation) or compression socks
  • Powerstrip
  • Power adapter (when traveling to the UK, US, etc.)
  • Spare coin cell batteries for power meter, HR monitor, etc.
  • Di2/eTap/powermeter charger

Part IV. Food and drink

  • Gels
  • Bars
  • Powder for energy drink (during and after)
  • Any other preferred after sports food (e.g. chocolate, nuts)
  • Recovery food or shake
  • Water bottles (+spares)

Part V. Bike parts and tools

  • Derailleur hanger (it's specific for each bike; so make sure you take it with you)
  • Spare tires
  • Sealant (when riding tubeless)
  • Basic allen keys and repair set (most gran fondos have some mechanical assistance available) 
  • A floor pump (usually available, you might leave it at home when flying)
  • A lock for your bike (if you need to secure it, many events have a guarded bike park for the after race)
  • Spare wheelset (if you have the space)
  • Disposable gloves
  • Chain lube and an old rag
  • Degreaser
  • Microfiber cloth for cleaning
  • Extra CO2 cartridges (max. 2 when flying!)
  • Spare brake pads (especially in bad weather)
  • Tie wraps 
  • Insulation tape and scissors to cut down large race numbers

Part VI. Other important items

  • Passport or ID card
  • Mobile phone 
  • Earphones
  • Any medicine or vitamins you may take
  • Off-the-bike clothes
  • Personal care items
  • Printed registration form for the event (not all events are 100% digital)
  • Medical certificate (if applicable and not uploaded beforehand)

Did I forget something? Give your reaction below.

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