20 mile cycling race

[ftotti10]

Got roped into doing a 20 mile cycling race today. The cycle is on Saturday and i haven't cycled in years. I'm reasonable fit and can fit one training session in before Saturday.
I'm competitive so i obviously want to do the quickest time i possibly can.

Anyone know any good cycling tips or techniques which could help me out

[Ðragons]

get on yo bike and work, and build yer thighs and hammys, and not forget the calfs, i watched this program on tv before, and they are making severely obese people do 15km races in 1 month of training..

got nothing to do with this ... but i thought id say :P

[sublime99]

20 mile is a good hour ride or more ride at a moderate to fast pace, i do it atleast once a week and i used to do it twice. Listen just start at a good pace pick it up for about 10 minutes and ease into your pace for the ride. You are going to want to try and keep up with the faster guys don't sweat it just do what you can and don't try and kill yourself, but by all means push yourself and when it gets hard push back twice as hard you will love yourself later for it.

[Max-Mex]

If it's reasonably flat race then you should be ok. However, if you have some hills, then it could get rough. Hills can kill your legs and trying to keep up with someone who is better at hills will make it worse. Best bet with hills is to keep a good pace and make your descents as fast as possible. Hopefully this will keep you in with any leaders.

If it's mostly flat, then it's all about constant pedaling, no cruising. Try drafting if you can (being directly behind someone). Try not to lead the race as you will use more energy trying to set the pace. Let someone else do all the work.