krits
Noun
A type of cycling race held on a short circuit
Example usage: I'm looking forward to the crits this weekend!
Most used in: North America and Europe.
Most used by: Road cyclists and track cyclists.
Popularity: 8/10
Comedy Value: 3/10
Also see: Criterium, Crits, Road Race, Circuit Race,
What Are Crits?
Crits, or Criteriums, are a type of cycling event that are short-distance, high-speed races that last anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. Crits involve multiple laps around a closed circuit, usually with sharp turns that require riders to have great technical skills. The courses are typically flat or have short, punchy climbs.
Crits are popular among amateur and professional cyclists alike. In the United States, crits are the most common type of road race, with over 25,000 crits held each year. It is estimated that more than 1.5 million people participate in crits annually.
Crits are spectator-friendly events that usually take place in urban areas, where the spectators can get close to the action. This makes them a great way to grow cycling’s popularity, as spectators can easily watch the races and cheer on their favorite riders.
The goal of crits is to finish the race with the highest average speed. Riders usually try to break away from the pack and gain a lead, but the tight turns and short laps make it difficult for any one rider to gain a significant advantage. As a result, crits are often won in the last few laps, with riders sprinting for the finish line.
The Origin of the Term 'Crits' in Cycling Events
The term 'Crits' is used to refer to a type of cycling event that is characterized by short, fast-paced races held on a closed circuit course. The term 'Crits' is an abbreviation of 'criterium,' which is derived from the French word 'critère,' meaning 'standard' or 'criterion.'
The earliest known use of the term 'Crits' in the context of cycling events dates back to the early 20th century in France. At this time, the term was used to refer to races that were held on a closed circuit course, typically around a city square or park. This type of event was popularized by the Tour de France, which featured a criterium race as part of its program in 1906.
Today, the term 'Crits' is used to refer to any type of closed circuit race in cycling, including road races, mountain bike races, and cyclocross races. Criteriums are still popular in many parts of the world, particularly in Europe, where they are often used as part of stage races and other cycling events.
