Criterium

The criterium is a real test. It is necessary to exercise great prudence since falls are numerous with the peloton bunched together. Everyone is attempting to take the lead, or to protect a teammater in order to enable him or her to finish with a high placement. Teamwork can make all the difference.

This race takes place on a circuit which is between 1 and 3 km in length. The racers must cover the number of laps prescribed in order to complete the distance as prescribed by the rules.

Distances

Category

Distances

Midget

None

Pee-wee

7 km

Minor

15 km (Before July 1)

20 km (After July 1)

Cadet

30 km (Before July 1)

40 km (After July 1)

50 km (After August 1)

Jr Boys

80 km

Jr Girls

50 km

Sr Men

100 km

Sr Women

60 km

Master

800 km

Free Laps:
In a race with laps of less than 3 km, a free lap will be allowed within 5 km of the end of the race in the event of mechanical malfunctions, breaks, or spills, following verification by an official. Otherwise, a racer can have as many free laps as there are similar incidents. No free lap will be granted for a race of less than 15 km, unless the incident takes place in the first lap of the race.

Lapped Riders

A racer lapped by the peloton during the criterium will have to leave the race before there are 3 laps remaining, or at the request of the officials.

Warm-ups

At the time of a critérium, it is forbidden for riders to warm up on the race course until the last racer has crossed the finish line. The officials have the right to refuse to permit a racer to quit the race.

Intermediate Sprints

For intermediate sprints, the prize must have a minimum value of $10 for the pee-wee, minime, and cadet categories, and $15 for the junior, senior, and masters categories. The head referee can refuse to accept a prize if it is deemed inappropriate.