For the Participants
The "Crit" course in Tampa includes several fast turns along paved and bricked roads. In the center of the crit course is Lykes Park. Lykes Park will feature a Wellness oriented festival for everyone in the family. The streets will be closed all day for the fast paced racing, but there is definitely something for everyone!

For the Spectators
A criterium, or crit, is a bike race held on a short course (usually less than 5 km), often run on closed-off city centre streets. Race length can be determined by a total time or a number of laps, in which case the number of remaining laps is calculated as the race progresses. Generally the event's duration (commonly one hour) is shorter than that of a traditional road race however, the average speed and intensity are appreciably higher. The winner is the first rider to cross the finish line without having been "lapped."

Events often have prizes (called primes, pronounced "preems", and are cash or gifts) for winning specific intermediate laps (for instance, every 10th lap). A bell is usually rung to announce to the riders that whoever wins the next lap, wins the prime.

Success in a criterium requires a mix of good technical skills — in particular, the ability to corner smoothly, while "holding your line" on the road, as well as rapidly and sharply — and riding safely with a large group on a short circuit and exceptional "sprint" ability to attack other riders and repeatedly accelerate hard from corners.

Online Registration is available at

Criterium Course Map

Flyer - Available

Race Bible Available - Click Here

Not sure which category to race?

The Tampa Criterium is a USA Cycling event. In order to race, you must have a USA Cycling racing license. If you do not have a license, you can purchase a one-day license at the registration area of the race. The cost is $10 and it allows you to race only as a beginner (Category 5 for men, Category 4 for women). Kids can race after purchasing a one-day license as well, within their age category as a Junior (10-12, 13-14, 15-16 or 17-18). The youngest age for a Junior is 10.

What is a Transponder?

An AMB Transponder must be used during any Florida Points Series event, which the Tampa Crit is. Transponders can be rented for the day at a cost of $10. The transponder should be attached to the fork of your bicycle and is used to track the number of laps you complete and the time it takes you to complete your event.

Wondering what kind of bike to use?

You must race using a road bicycle. This event cannot be done on a mountain bike. Also, for triathletes, aero bars cannot be used on your bike during a criterium and all handle bars must have bar ends atttached.

Other Useful Information:

-In a Criterium, there is no feeding. Please have water bottles on you bike should you require fluids during the race
-For a USA Cycling race, you must wear a jersey with sleeves. If you do not have sleeves you will not be permitted to race
-At a USA Cycling event, a helmet is required if you're on a bike, regardless if you're riding your bike on the sidewalk or racing. A $20 fine is administered by the officiating staff if this rule is not followed by racers.