Definitions for "Criterium"
Keywords:  lap, bicycle, racecourse, racers, race
a massed start, high-speed bicycle race events in which riders race around a closed circuit racecourse to compete for order of finish.
Usually used during the bike portion of a triathlon. The term describes a set course that is usually a mile or so in length. The racers will ride around the course a certain number of times. This type of race course is usually used in pro races only. The small course is best for a small field, otherwise there is too much congestion.
a race that involves laps around a short course.