1. What is Tour de France Average Speed Comparison?

Definition: This calculator compares the average speeds of two Tour de France performances, showing both absolute and percentage differences.

Purpose: It helps cycling enthusiasts and analysts compare performances across different years, stages, or riders.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses these formulas:

Where:

• \( \Delta S \) — Absolute speed difference (km/h)
• \( S1 \) — First average speed (km/h)
• \( S2 \) — Second average speed (km/h)

Explanation: The calculator shows how much faster one performance was compared to another in both km/h and percentage terms.

3. Importance of Speed Comparison

Details: Comparing average speeds helps understand performance improvements, course difficulty differences, or technological advancements in cycling.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter two average speeds from Tour de France performances in km/h. Both values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's a typical Tour de France average speed?
A: Flat stages average 40-45 km/h, while mountain stages average 30-35 km/h. Time trials can exceed 50 km/h.

Q2: Why compare average speeds?
A: It helps compare performances across different years, stages, or riders, accounting for varying course difficulties.

Q3: What factors affect average speed?
A: Terrain, weather, peloton size, race tactics, and technological developments all influence average speeds.

Q4: How has average speed changed over time?
A: Average speeds have generally increased due to better training, nutrition, and equipment, though UCI regulations limit some technological gains.

Q5: What's considered a significant difference?
A: Even 1-2 km/h can be significant in professional cycling. A 5% difference typically represents a substantial performance gap.