Event Jersey ettiqette

[DebR]

HI All,

I'm doing the Gran Fondo in San Diego this weekend. This is the first time I've done an event of this type and I was wondering about the etiquette about event day jerseys.

As an ex marathoner the runner etiquette is that you don't wear the event shirt on the day of the run because you haven't earned it yet. Is it the same for cyclists? or do you expect to wear the event jersey on event day?

I don't want to look like a complete geek (even though I probably am).

Slowly, D

[KnottedYet]

I wear event jerseys on the same day. I get a big thrill out of seeing a whole passel of riders wearing the same jersey and being one of them, too.

Glad to know it's the opposite with runners... cuz I'm doing a half marathon in 2 weeks and I'd hate to look like a dork running (or walking) in the event t-shirt!!!

[7rider]

As an ex marathoner the runner etiquette is that you don't wear the event shirt on the day of the run because you haven't earned it yet. Is it the same for cyclists? or do you expect to wear the event jersey on event day?

Geez. I just signed up for my first ever 5k, hosted by my Fitness Center. Admission comes with a t-shirt, which I was specifically told would be in just prior to the event, so I could wear it day-of, if I wanted to.

Huh.

Most bike rides that have jerseys, it's common to wear them day of. Some would argue it's tacky to wear dated jersey AFTER the event on other rides.....

[Trek420]

When I see the 30 year Cinderella Anniversary jersey on a rider I wonder "did you buy the jersey or did you actually survive the ride?" Of course if a guy is wearing it I know he didn't

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=5788

[Maxxxie]

People who get upset about what jersey someone else is wearing really need to get a life.

I wear event jerseys on the day of the event, and whenever I feel like bragging thereafter. I don't think it's good form to wear it ahead of the event.

As for having "earned" it, meh. You paid good money for that jersey - either through admission fees or by special ordering it. Wear it whenever you like. If someone cries about you wearing the event jersey during the event, tell them you're busy earning it.

Max

[pinkbikes]

I recall when I used to run half marathons they used to give you the shirt at the end when you'd finished. In some of the fun runs and rides I do now the same applies. Then you can't wear it if you haven't "earned" it.

However, I think they really like you to wear the event jerseys you pre-order, as they are usually covered with the event sponsors and the event organisers see this as a way of helping the sponsors get the due recognition. Certainly they give great encouragement for you to wear the jersey during the event.

And in recent triathlons I have been in (big ones with pretty nice singlets) they have given us the singlet at registration and strongly encouraged us to wear the singlet in the event. It's all about exposure for them on the 6 o'clock news I'm thinking.

I agree it is bad form to wear a jersey before the event happens. But other than that - wear whatever you like whenever you like!

[TrekTheKaty]

Another running rule is not to do a race in clothing that hasn't been road tested--don't want to risk chafing.

I always think it's fun to wear cycling jerseys for a big road race, but it makes it harder for our group to stay together when everyone looks alike. Too each her own.

[shootingstar]

People who get upset about what jersey someone else is wearing really need to get a life.

I wear event jerseys on the day of the event, and whenever I feel like bragging thereafter. I don't think it's good form to wear it ahead of the event.

As for having "earned" it, meh. You paid good money for that jersey - either through admission fees or by special ordering it. Wear it whenever you like. If someone cries about you wearing the event jersey during the event, tell them you're busy earning it.

I didn't know there was a jersey wearing 'etiquette'. I associate with wearing a jersey on the day of event, as 'celebrating' the event during the day. Nothing to do with "earning" it.

I must another Alice in Wonder bikeland.

[Grog]

In running races, I wouldn't want to wear the event's shirt because it would make me impossible to find in the crowd for my husband when he tries to take a picture of me. I also don't race in clothes I don't "know" too well. hehe

For cycling... jerseys have been less critical for me than running shirts, so I don't think the last point would apply. And I do agree it's nice to see ribbons of cyclists all wearing similar shirts...

[ny biker]

Another running rule is not to do a race in clothing that hasn't been road tested--don't want to risk chafing.

This is the main reason why I don't wear any new jersey -- event jersey or otherwise -- the day of the event. It might have a chafing zipper, too-tight elastic, the fabric might not be breathable, or it could be uncomfortable for some other reason. I road-test my big event outfits during long training rides just like I test out food and drink in advance.

[Kiwi Stoker]

If you have to purchase the jersey- you choose when it wear it.

However (and this is rare in NZ) if the jersey is part of the entry fee and everyone gets one and it's handed out before the race, the I have found it is expected that you wear it on race day.

However I do agree, I only wear items pre-tested/that I know. Also you might want to wash the item before wearing as well.

It does look great when everyone wears the same jersey photographic wise, but it can be really hard to tell people apart as well!

I was selling some cycling tops the day before the race at "pick up your race packs" expo and they sold like hot cakes (very cheap). The next day I was amazed at how many people wore those jerseys to do the cycle race- did they not have a cycle top at all to wear when they arrived and wear just going to wear a T-shirt?

[marni]

I compromise. I don''t wear un road tested clothing but what I do do is wear the jersey in the after ride celebrations- usually a lunch or snack. Then I wear the jerseys and t shirts around to and from the gym and on rides as I ride primarily local charity rides and like to give the sponsors an atta boy.

marni