What Is a Criterium (Crit)?
Published by My Mind is Racing
A criterium — almost always shortened to crit — is a bike race held on a short closed-loop circuit, typically a kilometre or less per lap. Riders cover a set number of laps, or race for a fixed time plus a final few laps, on a tight course that they pass again and again. The repetition is the point: crits are compact, fast, and unusually easy to watch, which is why they are a fixture of town-centre and weekend race series.
Race format
A criterium is decided over many short laps rather than one long route. Most crits are run as a fixed time — say 30, 45, or 60 minutes — after which the officials signal a set number of bell laps to the finish. Shorter or junior categories race for less time, while elite fields go longer. Because the circuit is closed and lined with corners, the bunch stays tight and the pace rarely settles: it is a race of constant accelerations rather than a steady grind.
What makes a crit different
The course is what sets a criterium apart. A typical circuit packs four or more corners into a kilometre, so handling, positioning, and the ability to surge out of every turn matter as much as raw endurance. Riders fight to hold a good position near the front, since drifting back means braking and re-accelerating through each corner and burning matches just to stay in contact. Cornering at speed in a dense bunch is the signature crit skill, and a clean, confident line through a turn often counts for more than top-end power.
Primes
Many criteriums run primes (pronounced "preems"), mid-race sprints for a prize on a nominated lap. An official rings a bell to signal that the next time across the line wins the prime — which might be cash, merchandise, or a token prize — and the pace lifts as riders contest it. Primes keep a long crit lively, reward riders who may not win the overall, and give spectators a reason to cheer on laps well before the finish.
How a criterium differs from other formats
A criterium is just one shape a bike event can take, and it helps to know the neighbours:
- Road race — a longer event on open or point-to-point roads, often with sustained climbs. Crits compress the racing onto a short circuit, trading distance and elevation for repeated cornering and accelerations.
- Time trial — a solo race against the clock with riders set off at intervals and no drafting. A crit is a mass-start bunch race where tactics and positioning decide the result.
- Gran fondo — a long, mass-participation timed ride for all abilities. A crit is short, intense, and category-based competitive racing rather than a ride you pace yourself through.
Is a crit right for you?
If you like punchy, repeated efforts and want to develop bike-handling and pack skills, a criterium is one of the most accessible ways to start racing: laps are short, the start and finish are in the same place, and most series run separate beginner and category fields so you race against riders of similar ability. Distances, lap times, and category rules vary by event and by region, so check the specific race details before you enter. If you would rather cover long distances or climb at your own pace, a road race or gran fondo may suit you better.
Notable criteriums
- Columbus Criterium Series (Hilliard, Ohio)
- Connecticut Masters' Games Criterium (New Britain, Connecticut)
- Mid-Atlantic Regional Criterium Championships (Hagerstown, Maryland)
- Preston Street Criterium (Ottawa, Ontario)
- Midweek Crit Series (Mississauga, Ontario)
- Glenvale Criterium (Musgrave, Victoria, Australia)
Upcoming races
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Tue, Aug 11, 2026 at 6:15 PMSee full details
DETAILS ON TUESDAY CATEGORIES (NEW), COURSES (NEW), SERIES (NEW), PAYOUTS (NEW) ETC: https://www.acaracing.com/schcrtue.html
For a $5 discount for every race and to support local racing in Pittsburgh, join the ACA as a member before registering:
https://www.bikereg.com/allegheny-cycling-association-membership
18 and under: USAC licenses are free for juniors. Get an annual license and USAC membership instead of a one-day license if you are a beginner https://usacycling.org/memberships-new
Getting started with ACA races: https://www.acaracing.com/getstarted.html
New ACA racer document: https://www.acaracing.com/Rider%20Instructions.pdf
2026 ACA Tuesday Criterium Series
1st race: Women Cat 1/2/3/4/5
2nd race: NonBinary Cat 4/5 (Women cat 4/5 encouraged to race here and/or the W1-5)
3rd race: Men's Cat 1/2/3
Second race/same day is now $15 (NEW)
Fields of 20+ racers will see increased payouts to 5 deep
One day licenses only for Category 5 (Novice) racers. All other racers must have an active USA Cycling license.
Minors must have the signature of a parent/guardian:
USAC One Day License Form for Minors
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Wed, Aug 12, 2026 at 6:15 PMSee full details
DETAILS ON WEDNESDAY CATEGORIES (NEW), COURSES (NEW), SERIES (NEW), PAYOUTS (NEW) ETC: https://www.acaracing.com/schcrwed.html
For a $5 discount for every race and to support local racing in Pittsburgh, join the ACA as a member before registering:
https://www.bikereg.com/allegheny-cycling-association-membership
18 and under: USAC licenses are free for juniors. Get an annual license and USAC membership instead of a one-day license if you are a beginner https://usacycling.org/memberships-new
Getting started with ACA races: https://www.acaracing.com/getstarted.html
New ACA racer document: https://www.acaracing.com/Rider%20Instructions.pdf
2026 ACA Wednesday Criterium Series
1st race: Masters Cat 1/2/3/4
2nd race: Men's Cat 3/4
3rd race: Men's Cat 4/5
Second race/same day is now $15 (NEW)
Fields of 20+ racers will see increased payouts to 5 deep
Women can race men's fields one category down (ex - cat 3 women can race the men's 4/5). BikeReg auto notifies ineligibility in this situation - if you are a woman registering down a field, please bypass the BikeReg notification and register anyway!
One day licenses only for Category 5 (Novice) racers. All other racers must have an active USA Cycling license.
Minors must have the signature of a parent/guardian:
USAC One Day License Form for Minors
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Wed, Aug 12, 2026 at 6:00 PMSee full details
SIGN ON LINE WAIVER!
Link to waiver: NBX Summer Series Training Criterium - 2026
Please note, we are changing how we are handling the waiver this season. A rider for the 2025 crit series will only need to sign the waiver once for the full 2026 crit season. After signing the initial waiver for the first time, riders must 'check-in' at the reg table for every crit.
Prizes: There will be prizes and primes!
Please visit our Facebook Page for photos, videos, and up to date information. (6) nbx summer series training crit - Search Results | Facebook
Weather Cancellations: We try hard to avoid cancelling races due to weather, but sometimes mother nature happens. We will post on our Facebook page (6) Facebook provide updated race information and cancellation notices due to weather.
New Racers: New racers are always welcome. If you are a new racer and/or it is your first time at the series, please feel free to contact the race director with any questions or ask for assistance during registration. The race series is a welcoming environment, and there are many experienced racers at the series who are happy to assist new racers.
The Courses: The races is run on a dedicated cycling track. It has smooth pavement and is very level. It has several corners and flows well.
Licenses and Rules: A USA Cycling license is NOT required. All USA Cycling Rules for helmets apply. No Aero Bars.
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Sat, Aug 15, 2026 at 10:00 AMSee full details
Chocolate City Criterium – The District of Columbia Criterium Championship & MABRA Category Criterium Championship
Visit www.chocolatecitycrit.com for more information
Chocolate City Criterium returns Saturday, August 15, 2026, for an exciting day of racing, culture, and community in the heart of Washington, DC. This USA Cycling-sanctioned event is
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The District of Columbia Criterium Championship Race
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The MABRA Category Criterium Championship
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The penultimate stop of the MABRA Road Series.
In addition to high-level bike racing, CCC features live music, local food and retail vendors, a beer garden, and family-friendly activities including a free Kids Race. Spectators are welcome and encouraged—this is more than a race, it’s a celebration of DC cycling and culture.
Parking & Transportation
Venue Address:
The Fields at RFK Campus – Lot 6
401 Oklahoma Ave NE, Washington, DC 20019
Parking:
Free parking available onsite and along adjacent streets. Look for signage and volunteer guidance on arrival.
Public Transit:
Accessible via DC Metro – the nearest station is Stadium-Armory (Blue/Orange/Silver Lines), just a short ride or walk from the venue. Bike-friendly access via the Anacostia River Trail and Benning Road.
Registration & Entry Fees
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Early Bird Pricing: $50 from April 1 – May 15
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Standard Pricing: $65 from May 16 – August 13
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Day-of Registration: $75 (closes 30 minutes before each race)
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Juniors: $25, all races (use the ‘Contact Us' link at the bottom of this page to request a discount coupon for adult races)
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Second Race Discount: $20 off
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Kids Race: Free (not USAC-sanctioned)
All registration will be conducted through BikeReg.com and there will be no in-person sales at the event:
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Pre-registration closes at 10:30 AM on Thursday, August 13.
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Late/date-of registration will re-open at 8:30 PM on Thursday, August 13 and will remain open through event day
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Day-of registration will be available onsite starting at 7:30 AM on Saturday, August 15.
Payouts
Chocolate City Criterium provides equal race durations and equal prize purses for men’s and women’s categories. To ensure long-term sustainability, prize payout thresholds are based on data-driven participation trends from previous years.
Prize Purse Policy
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25+ riders: 100% of advertised purse
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Fewer than 25 riders: 50% of advertised purse
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Fewer than 10 riders: Medals only
Advertised purses represent the maximum available payout, with final payouts determined by the number of registered starters at the close of registration. This policy applies to all prize-paying categories.
Licensing Requirements
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All racers must hold a valid USA Cycling license (annual or one-day).
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1-day licenses are available for $15 through BikeReg for races open to Novice riders, and will be automatically added to your BikeReg shopping cart.
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The Kids Race does not require a license.
Refund & Transfer Policy
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No refunds will be issued for cancellations.
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Registration transfers to another rider are permitted.
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BikeReg offers registration insurance during checkout for added flexibility.
Rules & Race Format
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Races are held rain or shine under USA Cycling rules.
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Free lap rule in effect for qualifying races.
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Neutral wheel pit support available (wheels in/wheels out).
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Riders may be pulled at officials' discretion for safety or if lapped.
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No aero bars allowed in mass start events.
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Helmets required at all times when riding on or near the course.
District of Columbia Championship Eligibility
To be eligible for the District of Columbia Championship titles, riders must:
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Hold a current USA Cycling annual license
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Reside in the DMV. Please update your USA Cycling and BikeReg accounts to reflect your current residency.
Championship medals will be awarded only to eligible riders; others may still race and place. District of Columbia champion jerseys will be available for purchase for winners. Residency will be determined from the USA Cycling database as of event day.
MABRA Category Championship Eligibility
To be eligible for MABRA Category Championship titles, riders must:
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Hold a current USA Cycling annual license
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Reside in the MABRA region and/or be affiliated with a MABRA-affiliated club. Please update your USA Cycling and BikeReg accounts to reflect your current residency and club.
Championship medals will be awarded only to eligible riders; others may still race and place. Residency will be determined from the USA Cycling database as of event day.
MABRA Road Series
Chocolate City Criterium is thrilled to be the penultimate race of the 2026 MABRA Road Series!
Champions in a wide range of racing categories will be crowned based on their cumulative results across series events. Beyond the recognition of being the best in their field, winners will also receive a championship jersey at the conclusion of the series. We will also offer free race entry to winners for select series events in 2027.
Series standings will be updated and posted as soon as possible after each event on Road-Results.com as well as on MABRA’s website and socials.
Eligibility:
All racers with a valid USAC license are eligible to contest the road series title in their respective categories regardless of where they live or their team affiliation (i.e. non-MABRA racers are eligible.)
For more information about the MABRA Road Series, visit the following link:
https://www.mabra.org/post/mabra-road-series-announcement
Questions?
Use the Contact Us button below.
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Sat, Aug 15, 2026 at 2:00 PM
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Find a criterium near you
Browse upcoming races filtered by this format.
Browse racesFrequently Asked Questions
How long is a criterium?
Most criteriums are run for a fixed time, commonly 30 to 60 minutes, followed by a set number of bell laps to the finish. Junior and beginner categories race for less time and elite fields for more, so check the specific event for its duration and lap count.
What is a prime in a criterium?
A prime, pronounced preem, is a mid-race sprint for a prize on a nominated lap. An official rings a bell to signal that the next rider across the line wins it, which might be cash, merchandise, or a token prize, and the pace lifts as riders contest it.
How is a criterium different from a road race?
A criterium is decided over many short laps on a closed circuit, usually a kilometre or less, while a road race is a longer event on open or point-to-point roads with sustained climbs. Crits trade distance and elevation for repeated cornering and accelerations.
What bike do you need for a criterium?
A standard road bike in good working order plus a helmet is enough for most criteriums. There is no special equipment requirement beyond what road racing normally calls for, though many series require a racing licence and a category entry.
Are criteriums good for beginners?
Yes. Laps are short, the start and finish are in the same place, and most series run separate beginner and category fields so you race against riders of similar ability, which makes a crit one of the more accessible ways to start bike racing.
How do I find a criterium near me?
Use our event listing filtered by the Criterium tag to see upcoming crits by location and date.