what is a criterium-specific bike?

in all my years of racing and building, the ones designed as such had characteristics
that were contrary (as in 180 degrees from being good for...) for the handling and
usefulness that one would want for a four corner race (or similar) atmo. whether it
be steering, or turning, or cornering, or sprinting whilst in the apex of an angle, or
comfort, or position, etcetera, increasing angles and shortening rakes (and front
centres), and raising the CG, and decreasing the c'stay length each (and all together)
fkcu with what is known to be good design. caveat emptor to those who ignore it.
ps i spelled centres the british way to show that i have a proper public school edu.