Originally Posted by
gregf83
A downhill and Phil Liggett exaggerating your speed will get you there also. In yesterday's stage they were talking about the riders doing 45 and hitting close to 50mph in the sprint. But when you download the actual data from Tyler Farrar he averaged 36mph over the final 7 miles with a top speed of 40.4mph. He didn't win but he was near the front. The only way someone is riding 45mph on a tour stage is with a tailwind or possibly in the final 200m.
When they are going that fast for a prolonged period like the end of that stage, the top speeds for the sprint will drop a bit because the lead-outs and sprinters will not be as fresh. It was clear they were exaggerating. The pack was flying, but not doing 45!