The most secure method of pinning is to push the pin through both number and jersey layers twice. Do not pin with only one end of the pin through the number and out through the jersey. If there are pre-punched holes in the race number, ignore those: do not pin through the race number holes. USE AT LEAST 4-6 PINS PER NUMBER.

To pin on numbers, you should not use the provided holes. Instead, we want to “flat-pin” the number. Pull the jersey away from the rider’s body. Push the safety pin into the number and jersey. Once through the jersey, insert the pin about another 3⁄4 of an inch, then push the point out through the jersey and number.

In almost all cases, we recommend using a minimum of 7 safety pins for each number you’ll be pinning: 3 pins on the leading edge 2 pins on each edge perpendicular to the leading edge 2 pins on the bottom The technique for pinning race numbers to your jersey applies no matter where you’ll be positioning the race number.

Placement, number of pins, and having a friend to help—these are a few simple keys to pinning your race number properly. But what about folding, crumpling, or otherwise altering your number? Those are a no-no. (See “1K4 (b). Racing numbers” in the USA Cycling Road, Track and Cyclocross Rulebook.)