Winfield criterium

[straightliner]

I just drove through winfield last night and they are hosting a crit race this weekend. Has anyone ever done this before and have any comments on it or crit races in general? Secondly, if I race, this would be my first crit race but I have done xc races for the past 8 years and typically race sport and sometimes comp, so what category would I sign up for? I race 4a for cross races, but wasn't sure about road races.  Thanks for the help.

[jmnicebike]

You'll need a road license, if you are a beginner male then you're Cat 5 on a one day license.



Crits are fun fast and furious, experience road riding in a group is very helpful.

[agb65]

If you don't have experience riding in a pack, I would try to find some good group training rides before doing a crit.  Being able to ride fast in large groups is key to not crashing.  Also, make sure you are comfortable cornering.

http://www.chicagobikeracing.com/index.php/rides   --  this site lists a lot of group rides, as well as probably the most comprehensive list of road races in the Chicago area.  if you're near Evanston, the "Judson" ride is a good taste of what a road race is like.

As previous reply said - crits are fast and furious.  Did a lot of these when I was younger.  don't miss them.