| Definition to know: | | | | watching your competitors throughout the race to see |
| A criterium is a bicycle racing term for a lap race | | | | who you think is strongest and FIGHT to get on their |
| usually less than a mile. Criteriums are timed races | | | | wheel. You will be picking up speed during these laps, |
| which typically culminates in a lap countdown. The | | | | but, DO NOT start your sprint until you get around the |
| higher the category, the longer the race. For example, | | | | last curve. |
| professional criteriums are usually 90 minutes. | | | | What NOT to do in a bike race |
| However, in some of the lower categories- the race is | | | | Do not attack on lap 1 unless you can stay away! |
| usually 40-45 minutes. | | | | Do not stay at the front of the field for the first five |
| Things to think about when racing your bike: | | | | laps of the race! |
| Watch the other riders! Check their position in the | | | | Do not chase down every single bike that goes off |
| corners; they should ride straight through the corners | | | | the front! |
| without braking. You should be able to keep your | | | | If you are a team of ONE, and you are in a |
| position in the corner- do not slack off or let a gap | | | | breakaway with other riders who do have teammates, |
| happen! If you get gapped, you will be working twice | | | | you do not have to pull through. |
| as hard to catch up. Always look two bikes lengths | | | | Do not attack the group with one lap to go unless you |
| ahead and protect your front wheel. Position, position, | | | | think you can hold it all the way around! |
| position- you always want to be advancing your | | | | Listen to your coach (husband) who is yelling at you on |
| position! Never, get content to sit at the back. Bicycle | | | | the corners to NOT do all of the above! |
| Racing is not always about who is strongest- it's | | | | Finally, you need to have a plan upon entering the race! |
| usually the savvy one that wins! Ride with your hands | | | | Make sure you have a good concept of the rules |
| in the drops so that you have better control of your | | | | before the starting gun goes off! If your plan is to |
| bike. Keep your head in the race! Do not let yourself | | | | attack the field, cross the street and sprint like crazy! |
| become distracted with anything! Crashes usually | | | | It's not recommended to take the whole field with you! |
| occur when somebody loses focus and taps a wheel | | | | Bicycle Racing is one of the coolest sports around! It is |
| in front or behind them! When you get the signal that | | | | also a learning experience. Once you get the concept |
| there is five laps to go, it's time to think about how you | | | | of racing in a pack, it can be exhilarating! |
| are going to win the race. You should have been | | | | I highly recommend it! |