This is quite a common occurrence in Criteriums races. You may be in a group or on your own and catch another Grade. It is your responsibility to ensure that you do not take any advantage from the Grade you have caught (especially if you are in a breakaway).

You have two choices:

1. Back off from the group you have caught and ensure you are not taking an advantage (more on that later - a general rule is 20 metres), or

2. Pass the Grade you have caught as quickly as you can (staying as far over from them as the situation will allow).

Criteriums are actually Road Races. The main differences between a traditional 'Massed Start' Road Race and a Criterium are that traditional 'Massed Start' Road Races are based on a distance to be covered, while a Criterium is based on a length of time for the race plus a number of laps of the circuit to be completed.

Criteriums tend to be run on circuits and arguably provide a better spectator experience. A Criterium circuit is limited to between 800m and 3km any number of laps can be covered within the time period plus a few additional laps that are assigned to that grade. Any circuit larger than 3km is a 'Kermese' which is another variant of a Road Race which is usually based on a certain number of laps to be covered. Please Note: A Kermese does not have a 'Lap Out rule' as it is classified as a Road Race but requires the removal of spares, pumps and other accessories, as does a Criterium.