Originally Posted by merlinextraligh

Racing in Europe is on a different level. You only have to read all the accounts of good amateurs from the US getting pummeled, at least to start, racing in Europe to know this. Although the gap appears to be closing somewhat.

Within the U.S., I think you'll find fast people everywhere, and as pointed out by umd in another thread, you'll find more fast people where more people live.

Terrain differences may have some influence on what type of racers an area produces. (or what kind of races the riders focus on) Obviously Florida is not going to produce a lot of natural climbers (uless they train out of state). But there are some fairly fast crit racers (Ivan Dominquez for example).