crit advise?

[Pink Kona]

This weekend I'll be racing in my first criterium.... got any advise about when to set up for the win? I heard you have to start thinking about the finish about 5 laps from the finish... any other suggestions?

[BikeMomma]

Hey Pink,

You probably already raced if it was today (hope you did well, if so), but I thought I'd reply anyway. Five laps before the finish seems reasonable, as at that point you should be thinking about moving up to the front, if you aren't there already (and you should be, to prevent/join breaks off the front). The back of the pack is not the place to win races and increases your chances of crashing!

Generally, the last two laps are when things really heat up - fighting for position, etc. and there will be a lot of blocking going on by organized teams. The blocking can be pretty effective, so be ready for it & think ahead, strategy, etc.

Walk the course beforehand. Note bad corners, sudden narrowing of roads, etc. and imagine what line you'd take through them (and remember to take that line when possible).

Pay attention to the preems and go for it if you have the legs! You can win some extra $$ or free bike stuff.

Another thing, be ready for the sprint. Think in terms of what gear you'll use, so that when the time comes, you can just go without fiddling with the gears or spinning out - if possible, and depending on speed and terrain (i.e. uphill finishes), try to get in that gear, or close to it, before the sprint, but not too far before. Be ready for someone coming around the outside from your draft.

And remember to hydrate yourself, but choose your moments. The best time to attack is when another rider is not prepared/ready for you to do so (like drinking). Don't run out of gas!

Another thing - don't crash! Take your corners smooth, watch out for rough corners and traffic dots down the center lines and watch out for the squirrelly gals, and there will be some. Don't let them take you out, and don't take anyone else out, in return. You can draft, but do not cross wheels - keep behind the rider in front of you. If they swing out for a break attempt, they could take you out. Not good!!

Good luck! Use this first race, perhaps, as a training race. Just watch & learn for the next one. Then, next race, KICK some TAIL!

Crits are a beautiful thing....

[Pink Kona]

Thanks Bike Momma - coincidentally my brother used to call me that when we were kids.

The crit is later today - I'll let you know how it goes. The unfortunate thing - it's supposed to rain more than an inch... which may narrow the field quite a bit. I'm looking forward to it though... thanks for the advise.

[BikeMomma]

Good Luck, Pink! No crashing! Especially with the rain...eewwww. Stay off the white lines - they're slippery in the rain.
Happy racing....next year I might start up again, myself.

[Pink Kona]

I was too tired last night to let you know - but I placed 4th! And I won $30! No crashes - although one woman was trying hard to take people out.

Talk about a hard effort - 12 laps in 30 minutes with a couple hill climbs. Two women broke off the front of the group - and I didn't have any legs from the previous day 75 mile adventure. I am really happy with 4th - I learned a lot. Thank you for the encouragment! I have another one next weekend - and now that I know I need to chase them down as soon as possible we'll see how it goes next week!

[CorsairMac]

Wooohoo...congrats on both the 4th And the $30!! and it sounds like you had fun! Well Done Pink! (closest thing to a pink smiley we had!)