Experienced athlete, novice cyclist competing in first Triathlon. Breathing is fine as I do alot of running, cardio, etc. and I have some time to train before the event. I don't expect to win the cycling leg, but would like to be competitive. What time should I set as a benchmark for a 40 mile cycle circuit for race day?
2007-05-02 12:47:50 · 7 answers · asked by ? 3 in Sports ➔ Cycling
Terrain is compacted cinder gravel. I rode a brief portion of the trail today (10 miles) on my road-bike and it was a pretty bumpy ride at times. (The trail is open to hikers, bikers, and horseback year round resulting in hoof indentations, etc). Competitors can use mountain/road/recumbent bicycles. I've opted for Road for speed potential.
2007-05-02 14:19:53 · update #1
depending on the terrain on the course, 20-21 mph will usually net in the top 15% of a triathlon.
2007-05-02 13:58:46 · answer #1 · answered by borracho111 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm thinking 20 MPH average on that surface would be pretty stellar, especially if there are any hills. Flat tires are going to be a problem. You might want to go with a narrow cyclocross tire, like the Ritchey Speedmax, if you have time to get them.
Generally speaking, for timetrials you want to inflate your tire to the maximum you feel safe doing. For your typical road race tire this is 120psi. Higher end tires will let you go higher pressure. Many guys on my team race the continental GP3000, These tires can handle 150 psi.
For this surface though, I would recommend no more than 100 psi, maybe 110 if you're over 180 lbs. If your inflation is too low, you will get pinchflats from the divets in the track, and if it's too high you'll get pounded and worn out for your run. Also, a slightly lower pressure will roll over the little variations easier, as well as not be as susceptible to flatting from little cuts.
A good time for an off-road 40 mile will be two hours, For a novice, I would be impressed with 2:15, 2:30 if the weather is crappy (mud will slow you down).
2007-05-03 04:30:23 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
For a novice cyclist I suspect the previous answerers to be overly enthusiastic. For forty miles on that surface, remembering that you still have to run, an average of 17-18 mph is a more reasonable expectation. You might want to check your flyer again to make sure it's not really 40km (24.8 miles) which is more likely. If it's 24.8 miles you can push a little harder (closer to 18 than 17).
2007-05-02 19:12:16 · answer #3 · answered by Jimbalaya 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you do no longer choose the information of any professional bikers as 40 miles isn't too gruelling a cycle. you pick fluids in the style of a pair of bottles of gatorade to illustrate and doubtless a number of those fancy severe skill bars which you pay a fortune for even however I many times merely have a pair of jam sandwiches. I additionally carry a small tin of Tyreweld for prompt puncture maintenance because it saves me donning kit or a pump etc. and that mixed with self sealing inner tubes is many times effectual for many punctures. in case you have been cycling 20 miles an afternoon then 40 miles would be a cake-walk.
2016-10-04 07:07:17 · answer #4 · answered by barksdale 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would shoot for an average speed of 20 mph. This would yield you a time of 2 hours. For your first race, don't be too upset with going any slower. Time trialing is one of the hardest things to learn how to do. It takes a lot of practice to learn how to pace yourself and maintain the high top end.
2007-05-02 14:19:06 · answer #5 · answered by Jay P 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would say 1 hour 45 mins, to 2 hours.
2007-05-03 14:57:25 · answer #6 · answered by jwc1996 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you should average between 19 or 23 mph. the winners will probably do 26 mph.
2007-05-02 12:58:22 · answer #7 · answered by DHAN#24 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋