I would like someday to try out criterium racing, however, I’m very discouraged that this is a possibility that would be very unlikely for me because I put out very little power, even though my W/kg is about 3.3. The question is, should I just give up the notion of attempting any kind of crit racin…

@Captain_Doughnutman I think it would be fun just to experience it. But, my lack of absolute power, together with my non-sprinting ability are the major things that are holding me back just to try it out. Thanks for the advice!

[image] Nate_Pearson: The best way to find out is to go try it. I’m guessing you’re relatively small. @Nate_Pearson - I told my mom she married the wrong guy. sigh

There’s three crucial things in crit racing… The ability to go into the red for short periods repeatedly and recover quickly. Bike handling skills. Safely riding in a bunch. First crit I ever did I was shocked at the ferocious pace out of the corners. I was in the red the entire time for the fir…

In my first race I was hopelessly dropped after the first corner. Later in my racing career, I always made people chase me at the start. It seems like there are a lot fewer practice crits than there used to be, but a fast group ride can give you this experience. In a beginner race, I think it’s alw…

You should watch a bunch of Vegan Cyclist vids on the ol youtubes. He races a ton of crits…never wins…but always has decent footage and analysis of how the race went. You can learn a few things to practice in your first few races. (And don’t forget to watch the TrainerRoad crit analyais!!!) …

+1 Love me some VC (Tyler Pearce) vids. He’s a whole bunch of fun!

One of the “problems” with 55+ masters racing at least where I am is that about half the guys were Cat 1’s or 2’s back in the day. So when they decide to get it on, they can go. But the big positive to this is that by and large the field is very experienced. This makes it much safer than a Cat 5…

Definitely get out there and try, at the very least, 5 of them. Like someone else suggested, find crits where they let you jump back in if you get dropped. This past summer was my 2nd year racing crits with women of all categories (not easy). Most races I get dropped but I jump right back in. It…

Just do it. Crits are not entirely about FTP. bike handling (high speed cornering), tactics, and ability to suffer all add to your FTP allowing you to hang with people with higher FTP. I know this From personal experience.

Crit Racing for beginners or cyclists with FTP below 200watts

Racing

Captain_Doughnutman January 4, 2019, 3:00pm 28

How to win a crit with your head instead of your legs:

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Crit Racing for beginners or cyclists with FTP below 200watts

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