1. What is Vitesse Moyenne (Average Speed) in Tour de France?

Definition: This calculator determines the average speed of a Tour de France cyclist based on total distance covered and total time taken.

Purpose: It helps cycling enthusiasts and professionals analyze performance metrics in one of the world's most prestigious cycling races.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( AS \) — Average speed (km/h)
• \( TotalDistance \) — Total race distance (kilometers)
• \( TotalTime \) — Total time taken (hours)

Explanation: The total distance is divided by the total time to calculate the mean speed maintained throughout the race.

3. Importance of Average Speed Calculation

Details: Average speed is a key performance indicator in cycling, helping to compare riders' performances across different stages and editions of the race.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the total race distance in kilometers and the total time in hours (can include decimal fractions for minutes). All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's a typical average speed in Tour de France?
A: Modern editions typically see average speeds between 40-42 km/h for flat stages, with variations for mountain stages.

Q2: How do I convert time in hours:minutes to decimal hours?
A: Divide minutes by 60 (e.g., 4 hours 30 minutes = 4.5 hours).

Q3: Does this account for rest stops or neutralized zones?
A: No, it calculates based on total distance and official race time.

Q4: How has average speed changed over Tour de France history?
A: Speeds have increased significantly from about 25 km/h in early 1900s to over 40 km/h today due to better equipment and training.

Q5: What factors affect average speed?
A: Terrain, weather, peloton tactics, and stage type (time trial, mountain, flat) all significantly impact average speed.