Originally Posted by
Atlas Shrugged
Yet all facets of the sport is getting quicker and more comfortable.
To completely ignore obvious advances and dogmatically repeat and believe dated narratives picked up in months old magazines in the 70’s or bike shop gossip acquired while picking up a fresh tube of Clement tubular glue.
Explain how amateur masters racers average speed has increased so clearly.
First off, 2005 and before - 147km. 2006 and after - 138km.
--The chart, all gains from 2000-2006 don't matter, course changed.--
Looking at the pro or elite category for that race - much different story.
2006 winning time - 4:23
2025 winning time - 4:25
-With all the years in between being in that same range +/-
So the pro riders saw little or no performance gains over a 20 year period.
Disc brakes, electronic shifting, 12 speed... they really do nothing for speed. Aero gains help a little on a course like this - but nothing stands out as obvious.
I imagine the increase in masters speed is due to having better masters in the race.