What is a Criterium
Criterium : French critérium competition, literally, criterion, from Late Latin criterium, from Greek kritērion
Criteriums are closed course races held mainly on downtown city streets and ran for a given number of laps with the ringing of a bell, at the finish line, signaling the final lap. Primes (preems) are announced throughout the race to heat the race up if the pace has slowed.
Criterium racing requires skill in cornering at high-speed, riding in a large group of riders, and the ability to stay with the lead pack and sprint for the win on the final lap. Speeds in criteriums can reach 45 MPH and average 30 MPH over the course of the race. Racing this tight, and at high-speed, requires nerves of steel and a high fitness level. This is why you want to do a training series so you won’t experience this for the first time at a “real” race.
Criteriums originated in Europe and some of the largest and well-known are held immediately following the Tour De France. Even though crits originated in Europe they have become the staple of American road racing over the last 30 years.
