Get the miles in

First of all, you shouldn’t underestimate the challenge of a sportive. Just like you wouldn’t run a half marathon without any training, nor should you turn up to a sportive without at least considering what’s ahead of you.

That means getting the miles in beforehand to build up your fitness. As a general rule, you should look to be comfortable riding two-thirds of your event distance in training – for a 100-mile sportive like RideLondon, that means clocking 67 miles (just a little more than 100km in new money).

 – How to plan your training to hit peak form for a sportive –

You can find plenty of expert fitness advice over in our coaching section and if it’s a big sportive you’re preparing for, there’s no harm in riding a smaller event beforehand either, which takes us nicely into our second point…

Break it down into chunks

Your first sportive can be daunting, but if you break into smaller segments it can help you to prepare mentally.

If we’re using RideLondon as an example, you don’t have to look at it as a straight-up 100 miles – there’s a flat start, the Surrey Hills and then the return to the city for starters and each of those, especially the hills, can be broken up, too. On the ride, concentrate on ticking off those sections one at a time, so instead of having, say, 60 miles left, you have just 10 left of the current segment.

Pay attention to the profile too, as this will help you pace your effort better – you don’t want to burn yourself out early if the climbs come later on. You can also use Strava to get a better idea of what’s to come on a climb.

Ensure your bike is in good condition

It’s not just you that needs to be in good shape on the start line, but your equipment, too – so make sure your bike is in tip-top condition before you leave. The last thing you want to be let down by on the day is a mechanical.

Check the condition of your tyres – and the pressure – and ensure your brake pads are clean and don’t need replacing.

– Five essential pre-ride bike maintenance checks –

The same goes for your wheels – take a close look at the manufacturer’s rim wear indicators – and if you’ve been using your bike for a while then your chain may need replacing. Use a chain keeper to take a look – or we’d recommend booking for your bike in for a service ahead of a big event.

– Five essential roadside bike maintenance quick fixes –

However, you can’t account for bad luck, so make sure you know how to fix a puncture – and take a look at some of the other quick roadside maintenance fixes you should know.

Don’t start too fast

Pacing yourself is hugely important, and should be etched into your mind as you prepare for the sportive – and yet still many people will pay the price for going out too fast.

It’s easy to get caught up in the occasion or trying to keep pace with riders much faster/fitter/more experienced than you.

– Your first sportive: pacing and staying in a fast group –

It may be a mass participation event but it’s not a race, and it’s important to ride your own ride and not somebody else’s – keep plenty in reserve for any challenges in the latter part of the course.

RideLondon is a classic example of an event where, with a fast, flat start it can be easy to go out too fast and the pay the price once you get to Leith Hill and Box Hill.

Make sure you eat and drink enough

Nutrition also plays an important role on event day. Anyone who’s bonked – ran out of energy – will tell you that it’s not a pleasant experience, so, once again, don’t get wrapped up in the event and forget to east and drink.

Most sportives will have well-stocked food stations so take advantage of them if you need to – but equally don’t go overboard – and also have your own supplies of tried-and-tested energy gels, bars or snacks.

– Nutrition: how to fuel for a 100-mile sportive –

Think about carb-loading in the build-up to the event and make sure you start the day with a good breakfast, regardless of how nervous you may be.

– Nutrition: what is carb loading? –

On the ride, stick to the old mantra of little and often to ensure you’re eating enough. The same goes for hydration, too, and you should aim to get through one 500ml bottle an hour. You should also think about taking a look at the course profile, too. If you know when you’re about to hit a big climb, make sure you’ve fuelled up in advance.

Enjoy it

Finally, make sure you enjoy it – take your time, ride at a pace you’re comfortable with and remember, it’s not a race.

After all, you’ve paid to be there so make the most of it. Sure, you’ll no doubt suffer at some point but that’s part of the challenge – as long as you’re not pushing too hard.

Completing a sportive, especially a milestone event like a century, is hugely rewarding.

Sponsored by Continental Tyres, the official tyre of RideLondon 2016