Criterium

A criterium is a mass start road cycle race consisting of several laps around a closed circuit (typically closed-off city center streets) run on a short court, the length of each lap or circuit ranging from about 1/2 mile to about 1 mile. Known colloquially as a crit.

Race length can be determined by a total time or a number of laps, in which case the number of remaining laps is calculated as the race progresses. Generally the event's duration (commonly one hour) is shorter than that of a traditional road race -- which can last many hours, sometimes over the course of several days or even weeks, as in a Grand Tour. However, the average speed and intensity are appreciably higher. The winner is the first rider to cross the finish line without having been "lapped."

Success in road criteria requires a mix of good technical skills -- in particular, the ability to corner smoothly, while "holding your line" on the road, as well as rapidly and sharply -- and riding safely with a large group on a short circuit and exceptional "sprint" ability to attack other riders and repeatedly accelerate hard from corners.