Well not quite a crit crit but it is training race https://www.bostonroadclub.org/wellsave.html ,,

I just want to get a feel for bike racing and test the field.. I have been able to average, 18-20 MPH in a group hang with packs at 24 MPH for a couple of miles once I warm up.. Besides in this crit, if you get lapped, you can get back on..

I know I could use search and find a few threads but I am just lazy ... Here are a few questions...

a) Warm up... Do you warm up separately before the warm up lap?? I usually take a while to warm up..
b) Is it better to hang at the back of the pack and look at the cornering form etc...
c) If I feel like it, should I break away??..(Yeah.. like I can..)
d) Ahemm.. I have heard a lot about various parts of the race having points their own eg sprint.. Somebody care to explain it to me..
e) Everybody sprints the last lap right?
f) I dont plan of a water bottle, should I..

Feel free to add any advice/suggestions..

[P.S -- I am totally prepared to eat crow...]

my first race is a crit, and it's tomorow, i've been looking over the results from last year, and i'm going to try and keep up with the top 5-10 riders in my catagorie for the hour, then do my best to "sprint" for the final two laps (usualy this is how a race ends)

i'm also curious as to what kind of warm up to do though, i'm going over today to do a couple loops around the course but nothing intense, tomorow, i think i might just warm up with some short sprints to break a sweat, i imagine we're not going to be flying off the line so i'll have plenty of time to wok into a good uninteruped rythm during the 1 hour of laps.

Don't plan on winning- set your goal on finishing (meaning no crashes, and don't get pulled).

Warm-up before. Practice cornering at speed BEFORE the crit (in your neighborhood). If it is your first crit, pre-ride the course- it really isn't necessary or as meaningful as in a road race, but it will help put your mind at ease.

Everyone will tell you to stay at the front. It is great advise, but everyone will be fighting you for the front. In your first race, stay comfortable... no harm is hanging in the back- unless there is a hairpin or technical turn.

Don't break away. If it is your first race you'll blow up and be off the back in no time.

Can you actually sprint? I mean easily hit the mid to upper 30s on a flat road with no tail wind? Those are the speeds you'll probably see in a cat 5 sprint. If you can't sprint, don't risk it. All hell breaks loose during sprints. Most packs regroup after primes so the sprinters can recover a bit. If not, they are usually chased down.

I don't know if it makes sense to sprint for 40th place- final lap?

Take a bottle if you know how to drink and ride at the same time without taking everyone out. Your mouth may become dry. It is always a good idea to drink a little before the race, and your bottle actually makes your bike more aero. Empty half of it if you are worried about weight. don't ride dry.

A first time racer using his elbows if more like to actually be that "idiot.

Thanks for the advice guys... I think my intent is more to finish the race.. I was just enquiring about the sprints and breakaways just in case I find that I can stick to the main group without too much effort.. After reading the replies I doubt if i can 'easily' keep pace.

I dont think I can sustain speeds of 30 MPH+ for 10 mins... Heck Id be lucky if I hit those speeds for a mile or so.. I have managed to hit the 30s on a sprint but never high 30s seems pretty fast.. Overall I think I am going there to have fun.. Will keep ou guys posted.
Later.
-AJ

My son races for his college team. Everyone warms up first on trainers for 15-20 minutes, then they take a practice lap or two to check the cornering. Good Luck