CRITERIUM COURSES

Often a criterium lasts about one hour, which is shorter than that of a traditional road race — which can last many hours, sometimes of several days or even weeks, as in a Grand Tour. However, the average speed and is much higher. The winner is the first rider to cross the finish line without having been "lapped" (overtaken).  Events often have prizes (called primes, usually cash) for winning specific intermediate laps (for instance, every 10th lap). Winning criteriums needs a mix of good technical skills — especially the ability to corner rapidly and sharply — and riding safely with a large group on a short circuit and exceptional fitness to attack other riders and repeatedly accelerate hard from corners

All kinds of courses have been used for closed circuit criteriums over the years. In Europe, criteriums are invitation only races on closed circuits, which may be anywhere from 1km to 10 km in length. However, in North America, the criterium is almost always held on a closed circuit of from less than a kilometer to around 2 km. These courses can be rectangular with four 90 degree corners, more convoluted circuits, with left and right turns, or up and down events with 180 turns at each end. Each type of course requires a slightly different application of rider skills.

Where municipality restrictions limit location and length of courses, the up and back variety is the easiest for which to get approval and the simplest to organise. Of course, the 180 degree turnarounds mean considerable deceleration and intense acceleration out of the turn and favour riders who can produce sprint after sprint and still recover. Mid Island Velo Association may be looking at an up and back course for its weekly criteriums next season unless the club can find a true circuit reasonably near to Nanaimo.

What are our readers' thoughts about the different types of crit. courses?