Sorry to say no. You will never be as fast as a 20-something with equal training experience and genetic potential. But so what? If you're getting into it to earn a place on a professional or national team, it's too late, and you might as well give it up. if you're doing it to gain some enjoyment and self-satisfaction then it realy doesn't matter what your time is.

And I'll let you in on something. As a promoter and official I can say this. We really don't care. How fast someone does or doesn't ride makes almost no difference to us. We're out there working almost the same time regardless of how fast anyone rides since it only depends on the last few starters and the difference is only a few minutes anyway. In fact, I'd rather see a first time junior riding and wait 10 extra minutes than have some senior who thinks he's doing us a favor by showing up finish a few minutes faster.