This last weekend I got to take part in the Kent ISD Race Clinic in Grand Rapids, MI (www.42-85.com). The first portion of the clinic involved direction and discussion with the ref regarding some rules about registration, attire and bikes. Riders register based on the cat they are licensed in or, at most races, can buy a license for a day. Races generally have registration fees and cash prizes for the top 3 finishers. Helmets are mandatory at all times, cycling attire must have sleeves, and bikes are expected to be in good mechanical order. Breaking a chain, having a seat slip or having a wheel fall off will not earn you a free lap. Time on the course is stated, and the last 3 laps are determined by the average speed and total time raced after the first 35 mins or so. He also discussed etiquette and safety - don't be the dude who walks up and sets up in front of everybody at the start line, doesn't pull his weight in the line, or crosses tires with other bikes.
The second portion of the clinic was an easy ride around the course for 10/15 minutes with the 'ambassadors' who gave tips about how to take corners, prepping for the sprint out of the turn and chasing down attacks. Then they led us through a mock race so we could get a better feel for taking the turns aggressively, chasing down attacks, and teaming up with others if you got in a breakaway or got dropped.
After the clinic they offered a cat 3/4/5 race for those who had registered. The first couple loops are really aggressive to try & drop the weaker riders, and then the level of exertion depends on when the attacks occur and there are any prime laps (finish line sprints mid-race). Since this was a 'practice' race, the ref didn't pull anyone out that got dropped or lapped. Overall it was a great experience that helped my identify what I have to adjust in my training to race criteriums!
Rules & tips I picked up from the training series this weekend -
- refs have the first, final and only say
- wear a jersey with sleeves (no tri tops)
- must have plugs in handlebars
- get there early to warm up, know where the headwind is, and have your bike in the right starting gear
- even better, ride the course beforehand to practice the turns, accelerations, and know where the potholes are
- have an extra set of wheels even if they're trainers in case you get a flat. If you get a flat you're allowed to take the shortest path to the wheel well and get a free lap to change
Lessons learned -
- have fresh legs ready for intervals and speed work
- if you race with cat 3 guys you will get dropped at the turns and lapped, but don't pull out until the ref kicks you out ;) And if you do get dropped and lapped but not kicked out by the ref you can rejoin the group
Happy racing!
-Colleen Myers
Colleen is a veteran triathlete and ultra endurance racer having competed in many 6 and 12 hour races. She'll continue in these events for 2013 but is also adding road races and criteriums to the races she plans to do.
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