Criterium

A criterium, or crit, is a type of bike race held on a short course (usually less than 5 km), often run on closed-off city centre streets. The length of the race can be determined by a number of laps or a total time, in which case the number of remaining laps is calculated as the race progresses. Generally the event's duration (commonly one hour) is shorter than that of a traditional road race [many hours, sometimes over the course of days or even weeks, as in a Grand Tour], though the average speed and intensity are appreciably higher. The winner is the first rider to cross the finish line [without having been "lapped"], and events often have prizes (called primes, usually cash) for winning specific intermediate laps (for instance, every 10th lap). Success in criteriums requires a mix of good technical skills - in particular, the ability to corner rapidly and sharply — and riding safely with a large group on a short circuit and exceptional fitness to attack other riders and repeatedly accelerate hard from corners.

Criteriums are relatively easy to organize and do not require a large amount of space. They are the most common type of racing in the continental United States.

1 Equipment
2 Training for criterium racing
3 Further reading
4 External links

[edit] Equipment

Racing bicycles used for criteriums usually have a shorter wheelbase (for fast, quick turn-ins), and may have slightly shorter cranks (less than 175 mm) to enable pedaling through hairpin bends. Aero bars are not permitted in criteriums because the cyclist has less control of the bicycle in the aerodynamic position.

[edit] Training for criterium racing

Criterium racing places considerable stress on bicycle and rider for any given race; however the pace and training requirements vary depending upon the classification.

Within the UK UK Elite and Cat 1+2 riders generally race together and Cat 3+4+W separately; however individual events will vary.

The races will also vary depending upon how many people from separate teams enter, which will impact whether it will be a "free-for-all" or a team-focused event.

Experienced and successful riders often spend 15 hours or more training per week, while beginners tend to race with less preparation to gain experience and fitness.

Riders use a range of training equipment:

inexpensive muscle stretching bands
weighing scales - why carry around extra pounds
nutritional databases - eat for body and mind
heart rate monitors - protection against over training
power meters - progress monitoring and training development
software analysis
indoor trainers - rollers, aerodynamic, magnetic, fluid, ergo

Criterium racing requires specific training to boost power output and minimize heart rate recovery time, as well as sprinting capability, general stamina, race craft and mechanical preparation.

There are three broad categories for bicycle race training:

[edit] Physiological

increased sustainable power output (that is, below anaerobic heart rate threshold)
strength - particularly for hilly criteriums
decreased heart rate recovery time
increased sprinting
stretching
nutrition (diet, weight control)
mind over matter (i.e. pain vs speed)

[edit] Mechanical

minimize rolling resistance (tires, hubs)
minimize rolling weight (rims, tires, tubes)
maximize braking performance (cables, brakes, rim surfaces)
aerodynamics vs weight vs course (aero wheels, aero bottles)
minimize frame flex (materials, design and build)
general mechanical readiness (bike setup)

[edit] Race craft

bike handling skills (cornering, sprinting, climbing, drafting)
tactics (safety, overtaking, drafting, blocking)

For the first time rider, race craft may be most determinative of the outcome if one is not strong enough to ride solo off the front of the group [peloton]. In this case, the rider will have to stay in the pack and choose a placement to balance the available energy and strength; the ideal placement is often somewhere between the 10th and 20th rider, which:

guards against being dropped off the back, thus suffering a significant aerodynamic penalty, usually enough to prevent re-integration with the group;
allows for advancement towards the point-winning breaks and positions; and
avoids the concertinaing-effect that often occurs near the back of the back, causing needless expenditure of energy as a result of extra braking and acceleration efforts.

[edit] Further reading

"Sports Nutrition" by Anita Bean (ISBN 0-7136-7558-6)
"Smart Cycling: Successful Training and Racing for Riders of All Levels" by Arnie Baker (ISBN 0-684-82243-1)