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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Sun, Aug 09, 2026 at 4:00 PM
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Sun, Aug 09, 2026 at 8:00 AMSee full details
Velo Promo and Golden Chain Cyclists present the 5th :
SHEA CENTER
CRITERIUM
In Livermore
An Event of the 2026 California Cup Omnium
Held under USAC rules and permit 2026-16072
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Date: Sunday August 9, 2026
Location: Livermore, CA - Constitution at Collier Canyon Rd.
Registration: ONLINE ENTRY preferred, but day-of is available. (see below) https:www.bikereg.com/sheacentercriterium Check-in opens at 7:00 a.m. and closes 15 minutes before each event. Registration at Constitution at Collier Canyon, Livermore.
Directions: From Fwy 580 in Livermore, take the Airway Blvd exit and head north one block to North Canyons Parkway. Turn right and right again onto Constitution Drive. After passing Costco on your left, turn left and watch for signs indicating “Bike Race Parking”, in parking lots to the right. Registration and race HQ are at the front of the parking lot, facing Constitution Drive. Portable toilets are at the back of the parking lot. Follow signs and instructions to parking. Please do not take shorter routes via GPS suggestions.
Location for GPS: 2401 Constitution Drive, Livermore, CA 94551, (but please follow above instructions)
Course: 0.88 mile flat lop, including the usual Shea/Early Birds course AND a long block out-and-back dogleg with a hairpin turn on Constitution. Three 90-degree right turns, and one left, as well as one hairpin right. Route: Collier Canyon, Gateway, Shea Center, Constitution (to hairpin), Collier Canyon. (Same as Oakland/Shea race last September). PLEASE stay out of business parking lots in the center of the course loop; while warming up in the area, obey stop signs and traffic lights. There is usually a great deal of traffic around Costco, only one block away.
Events*: minutes places value fee start limit
Category 3 45 6 $100 $50 8:00 a.m. 50
Category 4 & Novice (5)40 6 $100 $50 8:55 50
Master 60& 65+ 1/2/3/4 45 6 $100 $50 9:45 50
Mast. 35+ 1/2/3 45 6 $100 $50 10:45 50
Master 50*+ 1/2/3 45 6 $100 $50 11:40 50
Shea Kids Race** 10 all awards $0 12:35 p.m. 50
Women 1/2/3/4/P 50 10 $200 $50 12:55 p.m. 50
Cat. 1/2/3/Pro 60 10 $200 $50 1:55 p.m. 65
2^nd Race $20 (may need to pay full fee online and get refund at reg)
Prizes: For the events listed as races, only .Cash (min. 30%) & tee shirts
How to Enter:
---Enter On-line at www.bikereg.com from now to August 2, 2026 for above fees plus on-line surcharge. From Aug 3-5, the fee on-line is $15 additional. No on-line entry after Aug 5 at midnight PST. You may need to sign and date your entry form/release at race registration desk. Race day entry available, see below.
---By Mail: You may still enter by mail, but if a group is filling, go on-line. By mail, send standard USAC entry form/release along with fee above (if Postmarked by Friday July 31) to Velo Promo/Shea, 19780 Soulsbyville Road, Soulsbyville, CA 95372. For those postmarked after, add $15. Note: indicate what category you are entering on check or form. Entries for several races in one envelope ok, but be sure to list race names on the outside. Envelopes without names of races on the outside may go to the wrong race.
---At Race: You may enter at the race, provided your event is not filled, for the above listed fee plus $15
2026 USAC license required (available at race). Entry fees include $3 NCNCA and $5.99 USAC insurance surcharges. Numbers will be provided. .One day licenses available for Novice (Cat 5).
Credit for another VP race will be given if you follow the below procedure by 5 pm Wednesday 8/6 letting us know that you can't compete. No credit issued if you plan to enter another race instead; no cash refunds. No substitutions (transferring to another rider) for cancellations. Procedure: Go to "Edit My Entry" link on the BikeReg.com registration page, in your confirmation email, or in your BikeReg account to access this credit system.
Champion Discounts: Champions pay normal fees up front; Current NorCal/Nevada District Criterium Champions and National Criterium Champions will get a refund at the reg desk of all but $9 per day if 1) their entry is received by the deadline above (otherwise they pay full fee, including late fee) and 2) they ride in the category they won the championship in (Master Champions may ride down in age, and ride for $9, and Juniors may ride up. District jersey is not required.
Rules: Free lap rule applies; bring wheels.
Further Info: (209) 604-1354. [email protected] www.velopromo.com
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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
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.