Originally Posted by
Ygduf
I did 24 minutes off the front of a 4-corner crit solo at 27mph. Where do you draw your line?
Did you Win ... ??
At a Crit... This is where I draw the line....
Crit Checklist...
Wheels .... light responsive....
Tires ..... grippy and narrow
Gearing .... 52-48 / 12-21
Helmet ..... Same I used for previous day's road course
Kit ..... Skinsuit
Plan .... ride near the front and conserve energy until last few laps
Last few laps ... create or get in a break..
Note to self ..... don't get boxed in ...
In our region there is a Crit ( Ninigret Park, Charlestown R.I. ) where strategy of staying out of the wind is super critical.. it's a 6 corner course on an old airfield close to the ocean... Always windy and it's a crosswind on 75% of the course.
Aero would be preferable, but even high profile wheels become unmanageable from the crosswinds...
It's an interesting course where riding in a phalanx or echelon, single file on the rivet, and every other strategic way of saving energy is utilized each and every lap... On this course, rarely does a solo rider stay away. It's a course where strategy rules, where teamwork amongst breakaway riders either make it or break it... Bike handling is absolutely critical...
Cris are about bike handling, pack strategy and careful monitoring of one's reserve...
Not riding all out at a constant 30mph+ and minimizing drag.
