Originally Posted by chasm54

Of course, there's a huge difference. If you want to ride solo and break records, take up time-trialling. But I'd still suggest you take out a licence and pin on an number, because then you are competing over a set course under consistent conditions.

And don't underestimate the sprinters. They have to stay in the hunt until the end. If you think that's easy, give it it a try. Their skills and powers of recovery are remarkable.



You're making my point for me. Your nine hours may well have been a very creditable performance in the conditions. I know people who can easily break the hour for 40 km but are hopelessly uncompetitive in races, and others who win races who have never done a 60 minute 40k in their life. What's good depends on what you what to achieve, and train for, and varies with weather and terrain.




I'm like that. But really, the number of people who come on here and ask about average speed without referencing the almost infinite number of variables that may influence such a metric is slightly wearing - almost as wearing as the number of wannabes who immediately post figures that Eddy Merckx might envy.