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**whyeyebike** · 09-02-2009, 04:01 PM

I am about to ride in my first criterium race this weekend (its only about 15 miles total) and I was looking for some pointers from the wonderful world of 2spoke. I have done many group rides, some of them at race pace so I am comfortable in the pack. And I am not looking for training tips cause lets face it; its a little late for that.

Any suggestions are welcome....Thanks

Smiley · 09-02-2009, 04:05 PM

No tips, just don't crash! Good luck!

bantam700 · 09-02-2009, 05:53 PM

the first few laps will be fast as the group tries to drop the less experienced riders, but it will slow down after that. Try to get out on the course beforehand so you can get a look at the corners and plan out your lines. If you are planning on trying to win the thing stay within the top ten riders. The group can stretch out big time in crits, if you're not in the first few places you're probably going to be too far back to have a shot at winning. And if this is your first race, don't let your enthusiasm get the best of you off the start line.

clemfan2001 · 09-03-2009, 12:09 PM

When you start the race, stay top ten like Bantam said. After the bell rings for the last few laps, move up to 5 4 or even 3. Last lap, stick on the wheel closest to the finish line and on the straight sprint away! And, around corners, make sure you go outside-in. Dont get hurt, ive seen way too many rookies make the bad choice of going out at the gun and crashing in the first lap. Stay calm, its going to get hectic, and your body is going to go crazy. Good Luck!

**Xela** · 09-04-2009, 02:58 PM

Don't do this.

http://www.twospoke.com/forum/f66/painful-way-win-race-1561/#post6799

**whyeyebike** · 09-04-2009, 11:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bantam700

the first few laps will be fast as the group tries to drop the less experienced riders, but it will slow down after that. Try to get out on the course beforehand so you can get a look at the corners and plan out your lines. If you are planning on trying to win the thing stay within the top ten riders. The group can stretch out big time in crits, if you're not in the first few places you're probably going to be too far back to have a shot at winning. And if this is your first race, don't let your enthusiasm get the best of you off the start line.

Thanks for the advice....The closer I get to the race, the more nervous and excited I get. Hopefully this will be the first of many.

**whyeyebike** · 09-07-2009, 01:22 PM

Well the race was a success....and I didn't crash!!!! Thankfully, no one else did either. It proved to be a good time and I am looking foward to next Sunday's crit.

Thanks for the advice!!!!!