CRITERIUM RACING TECH

Get ready to clip in and go from the gun! This edition of the Zipp Speed Podcast looks at the criterium racing. Crits are a mainstay on racing calendar in the United States and many other nations, including Germany. These adrenaline-fueled races require equal parts strategy, patience, speed, and skill.

For this discussion, Zipp content manager Daniel Lee brings in two of his favorite “criterium monsters” who happen to be SRAM employees – Jonathan Jacob and Yannick Mayer. Jonathan, or JJ, is American and Yannick German. Each gives his perspective on everything criteriums.

First, we talk all about bike tech for criterium racing. We go through every part of the bike, from frame geometry to wheel selection to handlebar size. JJ and Yannick also tell us how they approach tire size and width choices, running tubeless, and disc brakes.

The conversation then shifts to mindset and tactics for criteriums, and then finally, as the bell lap approaches in this podcast, Dan, JJ, and Yannick tell us their all-time favorite crit racers and races.

We also contrast the differences between US and German crit racing.

Crits don’t always get the respect they deserve – but one thing’s for sure, they’re a mainstay on the cycling circuit; they’re highly competitive and thrilling. So sit back and relax. It’s time for the Zipp Speed Podcast.

Photos by Chris Stricklen