Originally Posted by skinnyone
a) Warm up... Do you warm up separately before the warm up lap?? I usually take a while to warm up..
b) Is it better to hang at the back of the pack and look at the cornering form etc...
c) If I feel like it, should I break away??..(Yeah.. like I can..)
d) Ahemm.. I have heard a lot about various parts of the race having points their own eg sprint.. Somebody care to explain it to me..
e) Everybody sprints the last lap right?
f) I dont plan of a water bottle, should I..
Don't plan on winning- set your goal on finishing (meaning no crashes, and don't get pulled).
Warm-up before. Practice cornering at speed BEFORE the crit (in your neighborhood). If it is your first crit, pre-ride the course- it really isn't necessary or as meaningful as in a road race, but it will help put your mind at ease.
Everyone will tell you to stay at the front. It is great advise, but everyone will be fighting you for the front. In your first race, stay comfortable... no harm is hanging in the back- unless there is a hairpin or technical turn.
Don't break away. If it is your first race you'll blow up and be off the back in no time.
Can you actually sprint? I mean easily hit the mid to upper 30s on a flat road with no tail wind? Those are the speeds you'll probably see in a cat 5 sprint. If you can't sprint, don't risk it. All hell breaks loose during sprints. Most packs regroup after primes so the sprinters can recover a bit. If not, they are usually chased down.
I don't know if it makes sense to sprint for 40th place- final lap?
Take a bottle if you know how to drink and ride at the same time without taking everyone out. Your mouth may become dry. It is always a good idea to drink a little before the race, and your bottle actually makes your bike more aero. Empty half of it if you are worried about weight. don't ride dry.