If you’ve not managed to ride 80% of your distance, or really not been able to get those key speed sessions in if you’re after a quick time – it’s time to ask yourself ‘what’s the worst that could happen?’

If you’ve signed up for a long distance sportive, it may be worth looking into how easy it is to drop down to a shorter distance. This is usually as simple as turning left or right at a route split, and notifying the organisers when you get back to HQ (lest they think you rode 100 miles in half the time!).

If there isn’t a short route? Well – there is nearly always event support, and there’s no harm in riding as far as you can, and finding a way back to HQ (as long as you inform someone).

If you find on the day that your legs are better than expected and you ride the entire distance – then that’s a bonus you’ll be super proud of at the end.

In the case that you were preparing for a short race, or a time trial which you wanted to ride fast and furious, you’re simply going to be a little slower. Which takes us onto our next point…