What is crit racing?
Closed Circuit Criteriums
Criteriums, or "crits," are competitive cycling events held on closed-loop circuits. These circuits typically range from 1 to 2 kilometers in length, with races lasting between 30 and 60 minutes. The aim is simple: cyclists compete to complete the most laps in the shortest time.
All riders start together in a group, known as a peloton, and race on traffic-free courses. The format is similar to cyclocross or cross-country mountain biking, where the focus is on completing as many laps as possible within a set duration.
There are some town or city centre crits but the vast majority take place on purpose built cycling circuits, with tarmac so smooth and grippy, you’ll forget you’re in Scotland!
There are two commonly used purpose build circuits in Central Scotland, Lochgelly in Fife and the West Lothian Cycle Circuit in Linlithgow.
Lauren eating wind at the season opener at the West Lothian Cycle Circuit in March
West Lothian Cycle Circuit Association
Last year the West Lothian Cycle Circuit Cycling Association was formed to organise a regular, midweek crit series at the Linlithgow circuit. Hervelo have joined the association this year and will be hosting our very first race on 25th July.
“The objectives of the Association are to promote cycling at the WLCC, encourage participation for new and existing riders, nurture participation from underrepresented groups, provide opportunities for volunteering and to support the delivery of cycling events at the circuit. With the combined expertise, resources, and enthusiasm of each club, we are poised to elevate the cycling experience for enthusiasts of all levels.”
For updates, check out the new West Lothian Crit Racing Facebook and Instagram pages.
A new website is incoming so look out for updates on that very soon!
Thank Crit It’s Friday (TCIF) Race Dates
2025 TCIF Racing Schedule
Women’s Races (6 rounds)
Round 1: 9th May
Round 2: 30th May
Round 3: 20th June
Round 4: 4th July
Round 5: 25th July - Organised by Hervelo!
Round 6: 29th August
PLUS 3 non-series races for new riders (cat 4s) on:
9th May
20th June
25th July - Organised by Hervelo!
Diana looking round that corner at the Friday night series last year
Sounds great! How do I sign up?
Firstly, you’ll need to create a British Cycling account. You don’t need to sign up for membership, but it will work out cheaper if you plan to enter several races, see the next section What do I need to take part?.
Early-bird Entry (if entering more than a week in advance): £17 (including £1 British Cycling fee)
Standard Entry: £21 (including £1 British Cycling fee)
Non-series Cat 4 women’s races will include a discounted entry to partially cover the cost of a day licence:
Early-bird Entry (if entering more than a week in advance): £13 (including £1 British Cycling fee)
Standard Entry: £17 (including £1 British Cycling fee)
Find event listings here: https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/events/?series_id=852
Not all of the races are “live” on British Cycling (BC) yet but will open for registration in plenty of time.
What do I need to take part?
A drop bar bike, with two working brakes. Make sure you have bar end plugs fitted - commissaires will check this at the start of the race!
A helmet (without a peak)
Remove all “non-racing” accessories from your bike (mudguards, bells, mirrors etc)
A race licence:
A day licence: £5 for BC members, £10 for non-members
A full licence: £40 per year (Seniors 18+), £20 per year (Juniors 16-18)
Understanding the Race Categories (E/1/2/3/4 or M40+)
When you start racing and buy a full licence, you start out as a 4th Catergory (cat) Rider with zero points. As you start racing, you will be awarded points based on your finishing positions. You will only accrue points if you purchase a full licence.
4th Cat to 3rd Cat: Earn 12 points.
3rd Cat to 2nd Cat: Earn an additional 40 points.
Points are awarded in regional crits (e.g., Regional C+ races reward points for positions 1st to 10th). You can track your points on your British Cycling dashboard.
British Cycling Dashboard
For more information about race categories on the British Cycling website, here.
The TCIF series races will have two women’s racing categories for you to choose from:
Female E/1/2/3/4: open to all cis-women (this is a British Cycling policy and is NOT representative of Hervelo’s views)
Female M40/50+: open to all cis-women aged 40 plus. There will be category prizes for 40-49 and 50 plus.
In addition to the series races, there will be 3 standalone 4th cat races which are perfect for beginners.
Still confused?
Why not come along to the West Lothian Cycle Association, Crit Racing 101 webinar.
This will be held online on Tuesday 29th April at 7:30pm.
We’ll run through everything you need to know before your first race and will answer all your burning questions!
Sign up: https://forms.gle/KhU63oj91zeLcUGu9
Want to check out the circuit before trying a race?
We’d recommend getting along to Women’s Hour on a Monday night to try out the circuit and get used to riding in a larger group if you are new to bunch riding and to meet some regular racers.
Women’s Hour sessions are run by qualified cycling coaches and are a fun, safe environment to familiarise yourself with the circuit and build confidence on your bike.
Links here to the Women’s Hour Spond Group and Facebook group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/2460207034161908/?ref=share
If you already feel confident riding in a bunch, why not check out the Wednesday or Friday night chaingangs. Don’t be put off by any preconceptions you have about chaingangs. The group will hold a steady 20 mph pace, which is easier than you might except as the circuit is completely flat. If you’re finding the pace too high, you can just drop off the back and cycle around the circuit easy for as long as you need to recover and then just rejoin the back of the group when you’re ready. Equally, if the pace is too easy, riders are encouraged to jump off the front of the group for half a lap, allowing the pace in the group to stay constant.
Link here to the West Lothian Cycle Circuit Association Spond group: