1. What is Tour de France Average Speed History?

Definition: This calculator determines the historical average speed of Tour de France races based on total distance and total time.

Purpose: It helps cycling enthusiasts and analysts understand performance trends in one of cycling's most prestigious races.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( AS \) — Average speed (km/h)
• \( TotalDistance \) — Race distance (kilometers)
• \( TotalTime \) — Rider's total time (hours)

Explanation: The total race distance is divided by the rider's total time to calculate the average speed throughout the race.

3. Importance of Average Speed Calculation

Details: Average speed is a key performance metric that reflects race conditions, rider fitness, and technological advancements in cycling.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the total race distance in kilometers and the rider's total time in hours. All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's a typical Tour de France average speed?
A: Modern editions typically average 40-42 km/h, while early 20th century races averaged about 25 km/h.

Q2: Why has average speed increased over time?
A: Due to improved bike technology, better training methods, and changes in race routes.

Q3: Does this include rest days?
A: No, the calculation only considers actual riding time during stages.

Q4: How accurate is this for individual stages?
A: The same formula works for stages, but stage speeds vary greatly by terrain.

Q5: What's the fastest recorded average speed?
A: The record is around 41.7 km/h (set in 2023), though speeds vary yearly based on course difficulty.