CRIT RACING 101: THE BASICS

Congratulations!  You’re a bike racer!  Here are just a few tips and basic rules to get you started on a fun, safe, and successful season.  More details on rules can be obtained from the USAC Rule Book available at www.usacycling.org.

Tip #1   Arrive early so you’ll have plenty of time to register, locate the start line, check out the race course, double check start times, pin your number, and warm-up.  Be fully ready to go to the line at least 5-10 minutes before your event.

Tip #2   Make sure your number is pinned on the proper side, right side up, so officials can easily see it.  Put you hair in a braid or ponytail so it doesn’t obscure your number.

Tip #3   On the start line, make sure you’re in a proper starting gear—generally, big chain ring on the front, medium to easy cog on the back.  Don’t forget to breathe.

Tip #4   Listen to the instructions from the officials.  They’ll announce the race--Women 4’s, etc., the length of the race, any particular hazards you need to be aware of, location of the wheel pit, etc.  During the race follow any instructions given to you by an official. 

Tip #5   During the race, listen for the announcement of “prime” laps.  That means there will be a prize at the end of the next lap for the first rider across the line.  Check lap cards for number of laps to go.  Listen for the bell signifying the final lap.

Tip #6   Follow the basic safety principles of group riding:

• Keep your hands on your handlebars-- either on the hoods, or in the drops.

• Relax your arms/elbows/hands.

• Use your brakes as little as possible.

• When racing hard through corners, keep the inside pedal up.

• Do not overlap wheels with the riders in front of you. Protect your front wheel!

• Ride a similar line as your competitors through the corners.

• Avoid sudden movement right or left.

• Hold a straight smooth line, especially during the sprint.

Tip #7   Practice good sportsmanship and honor your competition!  We are all in this together and just remember…
"You never get a second chance to make
 a good first impression."  -Anonymous








 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What happens if I get a flat or mechanical problem? 
Good thing you put some spare wheels in the wheel pit!  Ride safely to the wheel pit near the start/finish line.  Do not ride backwards on the course or take a “shortcut”.  Change the offending wheel and/or fix the mechanical problem, and report to the race official. You will be awarded a “free lap” and will be allowed to reenter the race at the back of the pack you were riding with.  The free lap rule does not apply in the later stages of the race--usually 5 laps to go.

What happens if I get dropped?
 If your chase effort becomes futile, sit-up and recover briefly. Generally, you will be allowed to re-enter the race a lap down.  The official has the discretion to pull riders out of contention.  If you are racing a lap ‘down’, you may work with your teammates, but you are not allowed to drop back to assist a dropped teammate.

What happens if I crash? 
IF you and your bike are healthy enough to continue racing, follow the same procedure described above to be awarded a “free lap”.  Make sure you check in with the official.  If you suffer an injury and are unable to restart, report to the first aid station for TLC. 

How do I find out how I placed?
Always check your results.  Preliminary results will be posted, followed by a short period of time during which riders can protest the results.  After this time, results will be declared “official” and it is time to pick up your prizes.