The winner of the Tour de France averages around 25mph/40kph riding more than 2,000 miles/3,500km over three weeks. Your sights are likely to be set a little lower, but nevertheless, you might have ambitions to improve your cycling speed. Road cyclists have the advantage over those riding a mountain bike off-road or a hybrid bike when it comes to speed, but every cyclist has an opportunity to improve. Once you have secured your MTB, gravel or road bike parts and have prepped your bike for maximum performance with strong, hardwearing components, here’s what else you need to do to increase your cycling speed.
Ride in a Group
Strava says the average speed for rides logged is around 15.5mph/25kph for those who cycle regularly. It takes sustained training to reach an average speed of over 19mph, but it is achievable with the right habits.
If you get in a draft with other cyclists, your average cycling speed will increase. If you are following on from another cyclist in front of you, you will be saving considerably on the effort required to keep going. If it helps Tour de France competitors to keep at a steady pace, it can help you too. Join a group at the speed level you currently ride comfortably at and increase the challenge level gradually over time.
Improve Aerodynamic Performance
Reduce your frontal profile: i.e., get down more over the handlebar, ride in the drops and possibly lower the stem. It’s likely you’ve already become comfortable riding in a less aggressive position, so you might struggle to maintain consistency. Try positioning your arms at a right angle on the top of the bar for a similarly aerodynamic performance if you are working up to lowering the bar.
The results are significant, with aerodynamic performance contributing heavily towards increasing your speed. Averse weather conditions will slow your average speed down, such as high winds, wet weather, and the kinds of winds you get with hilly terrain.
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