criterium

Criterium is a noun with two principal senses in English. In general usage, it is an alternative spelling of criterion, though the standard plural is criteria; some older or regional texts may also use criterions, but this is uncommon. The word criterion derives from Greek through Latin and French, and criterium in the non-cycling sense appears mainly in historical or formal contexts. In modern general use, criterion is the preferred form for a standard by which something is judged.

In cycling, criterium is a specialized term for a type of road bicycle race conducted on a closed circuit, usually in urban or suburban streets. These races emphasize speed, positioning, and sprinting, with riders completing many laps around a short loop. Circuits typically vary from several hundred meters to a couple kilometers per lap, and races commonly run from about 30 minutes to an hour, sometimes longer for elite fields. The format encourages aggressive riding, frequent accelerations, and tactical maneuvers, often culminating in a fast sprint finish. Safety considerations, crowd control, and course management are important factors due to the urban venues and high speeds on tight turns.