1. What is Tour de France Top Speed?

Definition: This calculator determines the maximum speed achieved during a Tour de France stage based on distance covered in a small time interval.

Purpose: It helps cycling enthusiasts and analysts understand the peak performance speeds in professional cycling's most prestigious race.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( TS \) — Top speed (km/h)
• \( D \) — Distance covered (km)
• \( dt \) — Small time interval (hours)

Explanation: The distance covered is divided by the time taken to calculate the average speed over that interval, representing the top speed.

3. Importance of Top Speed Calculation

Details: Understanding top speeds helps analyze rider performance, compare different stages, and assess the impact of terrain and conditions.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the distance covered (in km) and the small time interval (in hours) during which that distance was achieved. All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's a typical top speed in Tour de France?
A: Top speeds often exceed 70 km/h on descents, with flat sprint finishes typically around 60-65 km/h.

Q2: How small should the time interval be?
A: For true top speed, use the smallest measurable interval (often 1-5 seconds, converted to hours).

Q3: Does this account for wind or slope?
A: No, this is raw speed calculation. External factors would need separate analysis.

Q4: What's the record top speed in Tour de France?
A: The highest officially recorded speed is around 100 km/h on mountain descents.

Q5: How does this differ from average speed?
A: This shows peak performance, while average speed reflects overall stage performance including climbs and slower sections.