Winning criteriums needs a mix of good technical skills -- especially the ability to corner rapidly and sharply -- and riding safely with a large group on a short circuit and exceptional fitness to attack other riders and repeatedly accelerate hard from corners . Success in road criteriums 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 .