Assuming there is a moderate amount of climbing (1500 meters) and drafting is an option then for an average amateur cyclist it will take 5.5 – 6.5 hours to complete the 100 mile long journey. The average speed of a Gran Fondo or a Century is very dependant on how hilly the terrain is. Although many sports, such as soccer, are popular in France, the Tour de France is very popular among French citizens and an average 12 million spectators will. Photo Credit: Average Speed of a Gran Fondo or Century (100 miles) The fastest was in 2005 by Lance Armstrong (if you count that) with an average bike speed of 25.88 miles per hour (41.65km/h). Everything seemed to work today - legs, bicycle, map and I even avoided being dragged under. Since the year 2000 the Tour De France average speed for the winning time has been around 25 miles per hour (40 km/hr) over the 3 week stage race. Day one: 38 kms average speed: 5.47 mph max speed 26.97 mph calories: 1519. On straight, slight downhill grades the heavier cyclist should outpace the lighter cyclist however, on steep descents with sharp corners, it comes down to bike handling skills and comfort with risk. Generally the top speed of a road bike is in direct correlation with how much risk the rider is comfortable taking on.

This is why pure climbers generally weigh less. Since the year 2000 the Tour De France average speed for the winning time has been around 25 miles per hour (40 km/hr) over the 3 week stage race. It is true that the larger riders generally have more muscle mass and can generate more power, but the advantage is the smaller riders. In order for the 200 pound rider to go as fast as the 150 pound rider up a 5% grade the 200 pound rider will have to push 255 watts. The less you weigh the less power you have to generate to get up the hill within the same amount of time.Ī 150 pound rider pushing 200 watts will go 10 miles per hour up a 5% grade.Ī 200 pound rider pushing 200 watts will go 8 miles per hour up a 5% grade.

This is where the smaller riders will have an unfair advantage as the secret to climbing uphill is the power to weight ratio. Generally larger riders will do quite well on the flats as their pure power will outweigh the larger frontal area they have to push through the air. The number one key to being fast on flat terrain is pure power. The table below represents the average road bike speed taking each variable in to account. How do you compare to the pro cyclist? How about the average cyclist?Īverage sustainable watts for 1 hour (FTP)Īverage Time of a Gran Fondo/Century (100 miles) The average bike speed varies immensely depending upon total distance/duration, grade, and level of cyclist.

Tour de france average speed mph