Originally Posted by Ghostman
Clipping in fast is critical in crits. I have goofed up two races because of bad clip-ins (which I think really means bad nerves).
In both cases (short Cat 5 crits), I lined up near the front and lost 20+ paces, then I spent the first half of the race sprinting around every corner at the back and blowing up trying to get to the front.
I actually think starting at the front is a little bit overrated. If you've got the fitness and the pack skills, you can usually move up pretty quickly. If you don't you'll lose that front position quickly also.
I'd still rather start at the front, but I don't think it's as critical as its made out to be.