Bicycle Racing Photography courtesy of KennyBZ.
Definition to know:
A criterium is a bicycle racing term for a lap race usually less than a mile. Criteriums are timed races which typically culminates in a lap countdown. The higher the category, the longer the race. For example, professional criteriums are usually 90 minutes. However, in some of the lower categories- the race is usually 40-45 minutes.
Things to think about when racing your bike: Watch the other riders! Check their position in the corners; they should ride straight through the corners without braking. You should be able to keep your position in the corner- do not slack off or let a gap happen! If you get gapped, you will be working twice as hard to catch up. Always look two bikes lengths ahead and protect your front wheel. Position, position, position- you always want to be advancing your position! Never, get content to sit at the back. Bicycle Racing is not always about who is strongest- it’s usually the savvy one that wins! Ride with your hands in the drops so that you have better control of your bike. Keep your head in the race! Do not let yourself become distracted with anything! Crashes usually occur when somebody loses focus and taps a wheel in front or behind them! When you get the signal that there is five laps to go, it’s time to think about how you are going to win the race. You should have been watching your competitors throughout the race to see who you think is strongest and FIGHT to get on their wheel. You will be picking up speed during these laps, but, DO NOT start your sprint until you get around the last curve.
What NOT to do in a bike race
Do not attack on lap 1
Do not stay at the front for the first five laps of the race
Do not chase down every single bike that goes off the front
If you are a team of ONE, and you are in a breakaway with other riders who do have teammates, you do not have to pull through.
Do not attack the group with one lap to go unless you think you can hold it all the way around!
Listen to your coach (husband) who is yelling at you on the corners to NOT do all of the above!
Finally, you need to have a plan in your head when you enter the race. The best part is that you know all the “rules” and follow them!
3 responses so far ↓
1 Rachel leads the pack! (lap 1) // Mar 8, 2008 at 5:01 am
[...] Bicycle Racing 101 [...]
2 Ron // Mar 10, 2008 at 5:07 pm
Its good to be out in the front. You save yourself from the “accordion” effect. How front comes from experience. You’ll learn your sweet spot soon. I usually try and get off with a breakaway
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3 tri admin // Apr 19, 2008 at 11:23 am
Good post. Here’s another one on race day prep:
http://mytriathlontraining.com/2008/04/19/four-cs-of-bike-racing/
Keep up the good work.
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