Riding pacelines properly in training will give you most of the skills required to fit in with the pack in a crit race. Keep it smooth, follow predictable and safe lines, don't use you brakes, and don't look behind you in a pack situation (it's not necessary and can cause a mishap).

When you start out in crits make sure you stay relaxed. Because of the close nature of crit racing it's easy to get too anxious or jumpy, but it doesn't need to be like that. You'll be pretty hyped up with adrenalin but you can still keep a level head and shoulders and arms relaxed.

If you are on the inside line going into a corner make sure you have enough racing room, even if that means calling for it. If you're on the outside line make sure you give anyone underneath you enough room to take the corner comfortably, and don't go in so hot that you'll never make it out of the corner!

To make life easy on yourself select the gear that you want to be in when you accelerate out of the corner before you arrive into the corner. And make sure you look through the corner to find the best exit line.

If everyone in the pack behaves sensibly then it should all flow along nicely. Occaissionally you might get bumped or squeezed: don't panic. Accept the bump without getting knocked off line (or off the bike!!) then forget about it and get on with racing.

Have fun, and give 'em hell.