I'm going to try crit racing in a few weeks, fitness is ok for C/d grade, just wondering if there's any strategy tips from peeps here. Most Zwift races have a few surges to break up the pack then usually a slugfest or sprint to the end, is there another way or is that how it mostly goes?
I'm assuming you are doing a real crit, not a Zwift crit.
Before the racing begins, warm up for a few laps - just some easy spinning.
Like most racing, it depends. If you are doing the time + 2 0r 3 laps, then there may not be much happening for the timed part but you will often have blokes keeping the tempo high to burn off the less fit. Once the end laps start, things will get more interesting. There may be attacks off the front of the bunch (indeed they may be happening before the final laps) but they are more likely toward the end when the moves have a better chance of staying away.
Bike handling is critical. if you've done some scratch or handicap races, then you will be used to riding in a bunch with riders on all sides.
Be predictable and hold your line in corners if practical and safe to do so. Be aware of other riders and where their wheels and handlebars are.
If you can, stay in the first 10 or so (depends on size of bunch - but more or less), as you will actually expend less energy accelerating out of corners to maintain your position or catch back up.
learn to ride a paceline if you don't already know how. Youtube is a good source of tips and ask your clubmates too.
If it's wet, know where all the metal grates, manhole covers painted lines and slick patches of ashphalt are on the course, as you will go down in an instant if your line takes you over one in a corner. I've seen it happen.
for dry crits, corners are usually swept, but don't rely on this. you may not have perfect traction.
Never brake suddenly if you can avoid it. you are likely to have some poor bastard run into the back of you. - and you are more likely to maintain control of your bike by keeping the braking smooth.
On the bell lap (last lap) the pace will accelerate even more, and there may be attacks, or there may be blokes on the front trying to keep the bunch together for a sprint. If you still have the legs at this point, you will want to be in the first 5 or so, as you will have FA chance of winning a sprint from the back of the bunch. there is also a safety aspect to this as there is less chance of getting boxed in or caught in a crash if you are near the front.
if there are a number of corners before the final straight to the finish line, you must be in the first few through the corners - to maintain speed and be in the best position as you wind up for the sprint.
Don't lead out if possible, unless you are like Marcel Kittel in the middle of a meth binge. Other riders will grab your wheel and zap right by.
Know what your best gear is for the sprint.
Go straight in the sprint. don't weave all over the fucking road. for your safety and that of the other riders. And, you may be disqualified.
Don't try to squeeze though a narrow or non-existant gap. it's only fuckwits (eg Mark Cavendish) that do dumb shit like that. It's only a club race, and you are learning your racecraft.
Apart from all that, have fun. Racing is a buzz
Vidz
Short version
Full race and insightful commentary - watch the whole vid. gearing, tactics, pace etc all talked about - and interesting comments about tyre pressure at 12min 40sec.