Originally Posted by Mellow Johnny
I have to say I am skeptical about many of the speeds being bandied about is this string. I guess I didnt realize that most of the amateurs can roll out of bed and average speeds exceeding the European pro peleton. I guess I have a lot more training to do. I would be curious about how these speeds compare to the one day classics average speed. So, if it is true I guess three things differentiate pros from the rest of us.
1. Distance: The ability to average 27-32 miles per hour over 210+ km.
2. Terrain: The ability to maintain their average speed regardless of changes in vertical.
3. Recovery: The ability to do it day in and day out.
If these are not true I look forward to seeing an increased American presence in next years Tour DAY France, including several members of this forum. Good Luck! You all probably run a 4.3 40 too, but only on a hand timer!
BTW, my club ALWAYS waits at the key intersections for stragglers even if it is a hammerfest. Especially if the speed is higher than advertised. Im surprised that most don't seem to.
Well Johnny dont be. Remember many of these guys are only doing 30 or so mile loops, no stops. Throw a few stops in there and the ave takes a huge hit. With a fast rotating paceline thats a little over an hour. Pro's do that for 4+ hours, HUGE difference. Remember, we can ALL put out the same watts as a pro, we just cant do it for as long and THAT is what seperates us.
My personal note, we have a lot of tandems here and many of the local riders hold records for the Furnace Creek 508 (death valley race of 508 miles). So the tandems are training for the race and I tag along, did 1 x 100 yard pull early on and told them thats all they were getting from me, then I sat in and hung on. At 22 miles in we had a 26.7 ave (this is with stop signs etc). Stopped and ate breakfast then finished the training ride. 89 miles with a 22.4 ave, this included another stop at around 75 miles. Now I'm not even close to a racer so it can and does happen all the time. (flat ride, total <500ft gain)