Originally Posted by letenn

I wasn't sure what the difference between Crit and road style racing. Here is a wikipedia entry for the Criterium style bicycle:

Equipment

Racing bicycles used for criteriums are typically no different than those used in other mass-start road events. However, some criterium racers will choose bicycles with:
a wheelbase shortened as much as possible, for increased turning ability, with the shortest chainstays possible, and a slightly shortened top tube (often causing some toe overlap with the front wheel on certain frame sizes).
forks with less rake (not more than 40mm) for increased turning ability (albeit sacrificing some stability).
slightly shorter cranks (167.5-170mm), often slightly higher bottom bracket (+10mm) to facilitate pedaling through turns without hitting or scraping the pedals on the ground.
Aerodynamic wheels. Crits are high speed events with pro races often averaging up to 50 kilometres per hour (31 mph), making aerodynamics a large factor, even in the pack

However, does Cannondale use the term criterium as a marketing gimmick? The models in the Criterium line use top of the line groups, while the Road series use lower end groups?