I've really enjoyed the Forum so far. However I have come across the notion in a lot of threads that Criterium Racing is somehow more dangerous than other forms of Road Racing. My experience has been the opposite. I've been involved in and witnessed more serious crashes Road Racing than Crit.

My reasoning for this has been as follows:

1. Riders paying more attention in Crits vs "falling asleep" in Road Races. Leading to more overlaping and other forms of stupid riding. The upcoming corner seems to keep riders on their toes.
2. Larger Fields in RR, less likely to string out or split. So now we have a "Big Pack" of the riders mentioned in #1.
3. Higher speeds in RR, long downhills, ect.
4. Uncertanty about the finish. There is the inevitiable rider who doesn't realize there is a 90 deg turn right 500m from the finish. In a Crit you get a lot of practice going thru the last turn before the Bell.

I think the myth is perpetuated by the pucker factor of going around a turn in close company more than any real difference in risk.

Thoughts?