| As opposed to stage races which pass through a town in the blink of an eye, criteriums are road races on a closed course, allowing spectators to enjoy watching the riders repeatedly with each pass around the course. |
| Participants | Closed Course | Race Development |
| Participation mainly consists of individuals and is limited to 100 riders. | The race is held on a closed course or circuit created from city roads. Short laps There are also courses with short laps of 500 m (total course of 80 km) which stimulates race development. |
Intermediate sprints are repeated every certain number of laps, and the position of riders changes at a rapid pace. |
| Start | Intermediate Sprint | Finish |
| All riders start at once at the sound of the starting gun. | Points are given to riders that cross the finish line at each intermediate sprint lap that is designated. | The finishing order is decided by the order in which the front-most portion of each riders' front tire touches the leading edge of the finish line. |
| Features of a Criterium Road Racing Bicycle | |
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Further lowers the hanger of a flatland road racing bicycle, enabling a design that allows speed and continued pedaling even while cornering. |
