A criterium, or crit, is a bike race consisting of several laps around a closed circuit, the length of each lap or circuit ranging from about 1 km to 2 km.
Race length can be determined by a number of laps or total time, in which case the number of remaining laps is calculated as the race progresses. Generally the event's duration (commonly one hour) is shorter than that of a traditional road race — which can last many hours, sometimes over the course of several days or even weeks, as in a Grand Tour. However, the average speed and intensity are appreciably higher. The winner is the first rider to cross the finish line without having been "lapped".
Events often have prizes (called primes, pronounced "preems", and are usually cash) for winning specific intermediate laps (for instance, every 10th lap). A bell is usually rung to announce to the riders that whoever wins the next lap, wins the prime.
Success in road criteriums requires a mix of good technical skills — in particular, the ability to corner smoothly while holding the line on the road, as well as rapidly and sharply — and riding safely with a large group on a short circuit and exceptional "sprint" ability to attack other riders and repeatedly accelerate hard from corners.
How long is the road
How hard the journy
When do you really know for sure
What you're looking for
Out there in the world
Sometimes it's lonely
Lost in the wonder of it all
Feeling very small
You need a dream or two
To take along with you
Carry a dream
Inside your heart
And from the start
You'll never be alone
Carry a dream
Where ever you may go
And if you believe your dream
It will lead you home
How high is that star
How far above you
See how it shine so clear and bright
Through the darkest night
Out there in the world
Somebody loves you
So keep your eye upon that star
Trust in who you are
And the love will see you through
Just like a dream come true
Carry a dream
Inside your heart
Use it to build
A future of your own
Carry a dream
To last your whole life song
And if you believe your dream
You're already home
Carry a dream
Inside your heart
Use it to build
A future of your own
Carry a dream
To last your whole life song
And if you believe your dream