Virtual criterium racing on your smart trainer
Short circuits, repeated accelerations and a final sprint make every lap matter in KOMRIDER.
Content last reviewed: 30 August 2026
A criterium is defined by close racing, changes in pace and the fight for position. KOMRIDER brings this format into a virtual world. You race real participants, bots fill available places when needed, and the announcer reports the standings after every lap.
Key benefits
Short circuits
Race on defined criterium courses with a fixed distance and number of laps.
A real field
Compete with other riders. Bots fill open places only when the field is not complete.
Live standings
Follow your position and receive updated standings after every completed lap.
Race commentary
An introduction, lap reports and a finish announcement accompany the race.
What makes a criterium different
A criterium is a cycling race on a short circuit. Repeated corners and straights reward acceleration, controlled effort and the ability to produce power again in the final lap.
KOMRIDER separates this format from a point-to-point road race. A fixed lap count, a compact field and a recurring finish area create a distinct racing experience.
- A fixed number of laps instead of one long route
- Frequent changes in pace and position
- A clear finish line for the final sprint
- Power, lap and position data visible during the race
Race real riders with supporting bots
You line up against real participants. If the lobby is not full, bots complete the field so the race still feels active. They support the event rather than replacing registered riders.
Scheduled races open their lobby three minutes before the start. You can also organize a private race with invited friends.
- Join scheduled public races
- Enter the lobby three minutes before the start
- Race real participants in the same field
- Create private races for invited friends
Live positions and an announcer for every lap
KOMRIDER calculates positions live and reports the current order after a completed lap. You can hear whether you are gaining or losing places as the race develops.
The announcer turns race data into clear situations. An introduction opens the event, lap reports follow the action, and the finish announcement confirms the final result.
Criterium courses with their own character
New York runs between tall city buildings, Murten reflects its historic setting, and Osaka combines a fast urban circuit with evening light.
Barriers, course objects, time of day and the virtual environment give each race an identity while the important performance data remains clear.
| Course | Setting | Race character |
|---|---|---|
| New York City Crit | Urban circuit between tall buildings | Fast and compact |
| Murten Crit | Historic town setting | Short course with local identity |
| Osaka Crit | City circuit in evening light | Atmospheric race with a final sprint |
How to prepare for a criterium
Criterium racing requires repeated bursts of power. Short intervals, threshold blocks and limited recovery prepare you better than steady endurance riding alone.
Use the AI workout generator to describe a suitable session and ride it directly in KOMRIDER before testing that fitness under race pressure.
- Train short accelerations with incomplete recovery
- Hold threshold power across several repetitions
- Avoid starting every lap at maximum effort
- Save energy for the final lap and sprint
Frequently asked questions
What is a virtual criterium race?
It is a cycling race on a short virtual circuit with a fixed number of laps. Repeated accelerations, position changes and a final sprint define the format.
Do I race real people in KOMRIDER?
Yes. Registered riders compete together. Bots only fill places when the field is not complete.
Are live standings available during the race?
Yes. KOMRIDER calculates positions live and the announcer reports the standings after every completed lap.
Can I create a private criterium with friends?
Yes. You can invite friends to a private race on a criterium course.
Which smart trainer do I need?
Automatic control requires a compatible Bluetooth FTMS smart trainer. ANT+ is not currently supported.
Ride your first KOMRIDER criterium
Connect your Bluetooth smart trainer, enter the next race lobby and compete for the finish line lap after lap.
Try KOMRIDER for 7 days