Cycling 101

Time trials, criteriums, circuit races and road races are bicycle races, but they're all significantly different from one another. Each event presents a different challenge. A time trial is an individual event that is based purely on how long it takes the athlete to get from point A to point B. A criterium is an amazing form of racing that features repeated loops of relentlessly high paced action on an approximate 1-mile course. A road race is the longest portion of the event, typically spanning 80 to 120 miles, and starts and finishes at different locations. A circuit race is like a longer criterium course that runs more like a road race with distances around 80 miles. Circuit races offer the diversity of a point to point race with the advantages of seeing the racers several times in addition to the start.

CRITERIUM – EXCITEMENT

Criteriums are much shorter than a typical road race and as a result, all the excitement is packed into a shorter amount of time. Extremely technical, high speed and repeated corners every few seconds makes for two hours of the most intense racing imaginable.

TIME TRIAL – PURE SPEED

Racers start from a raised stage and roll down a ramp to gain speed as quickly as possible. The athletes start in one minute intervals and race against the clock for what will hopefully be the fastest time of the day. This event is all about horsepower and speed. Aerodynamics and making no mistakes are key in this individual event.

ROAD RACE – ENDURANCE

There is an unwritten law that road race courses must present racers with terrain that most cars find challenging. The Tour de New York road stages will be no different. The Finger Lakes Region of New York State is scenic, beautiful….and hilly. And soon the rest of the world will know too. The road race courses promise some of the most challenging terrain in the region and each end with repeated loops in the finishing community.

CIRCUIT RACE – PART CRITERIUM / PART ROAD RACE

Circuit races provide spectators the opportunity to view a longer road race from several vantage points in addition to the finish and they allow the riders to become familiar with an area’s particular terrain and features. Circuit races are very popular around the world and in fact are the format for the World Championships and Olympic games due to their viewer friendly and rider challenging characteristics.

SPECTATOR SAFETY

Spectators must obey the direction of law enforcement and course marshals! Please use designated crosswalks when crossing the street. These cyclists are traveling at speeds faster than 30 mph and it is imperative that all spectators stay off the course at all times.

RAIN OR SHINE?

Absolutely! Bicycle racing gets even more exciting in the rain! And you don't travel all the way from Russia just to sleep in the hotel!

ADULTS ONLY OR A FAMILY EVENT?

Cycling events are definitely family oriented. There will be a kids’ area at the Rundel Library for the Twilight Criterium. Each year, race management receives tons of e-mail from spectators telling what a wonderful evening their family had. And kids absolutely love to watch the pros fly at all the events!

WHAT DOES KING OF THE MOUNTAINS MEAN?

Specific to road races, King of the Mountains - or KOM is a classification given to the best climber. Points are awarded and accumulated throughout the event. At the Tour de New York, scope out the climbs and see first-hand who becomes King!

HOW DO THESE PROFESSIONALS RACE AT NIGHT?

With the City of Rochester street lights and a little help from some auxiliary lighting, the men’s Rochester Twilight Criterium pro race starts at 7:30 p.m. before the sun sets and continues until 9:30 p.m. Their eyes adjust to the lower level of light, and they "hit the turbos"!

HOW DO THE PROFESSIONAL TEAMS COMPETE?

The same as an individual does. Everyone races together at the same time, the teams just have more riders to help ensure that one of the teammates has a chance to win.

There is a lot of strategy involved in road racing, some of the athletes on the team are designated to “help” the faster athletes or better sprinters to ensure a win for the team.

Vantage Points

Everywhere! At the Criterium, most spectators walk the course during the night to see the racing action from as many different locations as possible. Every inch of the course is great to watch from, so find your favorite spot! The Time Trial start and finish is right at the Port of Rochester. Watch as the riders fly out of the start house and race back over the finish line. For the Road Races, check out the course maps and elevation profiles to see these guys attack the climbs scattered throughout Western New York. Then, jump ahead and catch the technical turns of the finishing loops. There really isn’t a bad place to watch the action!