You can drastically improve your chances of winning a crit if you follow the tips below.
90% of criterium races end with a group sprint. Some of the bunch will be dropped as the race meanders around the track for 45-60 mins, but most of the time you will be up against the sprinters.
- Get lots of sprint training in. The more you train the better you will be. work on your top speed and power bursts. you need to have punchy power to go around riders in the last 60 meters
- Mark the guy that “normally” wins. If you race week after week and see the same guy wining or placing in the top 3, mark him. As you head into the final few laps try and get his wheel.
- Stay in the top 30% of the group. This will keep you out of trouble and will help conserve your energy. If you don’t know how to ride in the group then you should read this
- Stay out of the wind. But don’t be a “sand bagger”. No one likes the guy that sits in the pack week after week and wins every race. if you are strong you should pull a turn
- Don’t lead out the sprint. Try and put yourself 4th or 5th wheel so that when the sprint starts you can save energy for as long as possible
- Go Hard Late. As the sprint reaches the final 50 to 80 meters you should look at hitting the wind and giving it all you have. Remember to hold your line else you will be disqualified for dangerous riding
I you think you can win with a break away you should read this and this
