I've always been curious what the average speeds are during a flat section of a typical XC race (if there is such a thing?) for the various classes. Can anyone with racing experience help? I train hard for fitness and may try racing, but am curious about my relative ability.
Actual speeds during a XC race?
DirtChef
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I've always been curious what the average speeds are during a flat section of a typical XC race (if there is such a thing?) for the various classes. Can anyone with racing experience help? I train hard for fitness and may try racing, but am curious about my relative ability.
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7,591 Posts
Depends on the terrain.
The only way to figure out if you're good at racing is to go do it. If there's enough mud, or enough roots, or whatever, even pros pretty much slow to a crawl - speeds under 8 mph (average, for the whole race!) aren't uncommon. Then again, a course like Road Apple (flat, fast, hardpack) can be ridden at an average well over 15 mph by a fit rider. It's all relative - go race! It's a fun challenge, even if you're not that fast - and it'll help you go faster in the future.
-Walt
The only way to figure out if you're good at racing is to go do it. If there's enough mud, or enough roots, or whatever, even pros pretty much slow to a crawl - speeds under 8 mph (average, for the whole race!) aren't uncommon. Then again, a course like Road Apple (flat, fast, hardpack) can be ridden at an average well over 15 mph by a fit rider. It's all relative - go race! It's a fun challenge, even if you're not that fast - and it'll help you go faster in the future.
-Walt
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867 Posts
Suggestion - just race!
OK I am in my first season of racing so maybe I can address your concerns.
First, your question is a bit of a silly one. There are far too many variables to talk about speeds. How hilly is the course? How long is the race? How technical is the path? In my half dozen races so far, the answer would be wildly different for each. And, I don't even know what the answer is, as it is unimportant. In fact, I took the speedometer off of my bike.
My advice to you is to go ahead and enter a race in the slowest category...and have fun! Start at the back, and while you are waiting to start, talk to the guys next to you. There will be other newbies there too...you will no doubt find lots of support and companionship as you stick your toe in the water.
As for competitiveness, my experience has been that I am astounded how fast people are, even in beginner class. I have finished DFL once or twice, but usually am middle of the pack. One time none of the regular fast guys showed up and I won!
In any case everybody in the beginner class can be schooled by most people in the faster classes, and we're all painfully aware of it. So even while there is competitiveness, there is humility and cooperation and support and friendliness and everybody is just learning...so go ahead and jump in and try it!
OK I am in my first season of racing so maybe I can address your concerns.
First, your question is a bit of a silly one. There are far too many variables to talk about speeds. How hilly is the course? How long is the race? How technical is the path? In my half dozen races so far, the answer would be wildly different for each. And, I don't even know what the answer is, as it is unimportant. In fact, I took the speedometer off of my bike.
My advice to you is to go ahead and enter a race in the slowest category...and have fun! Start at the back, and while you are waiting to start, talk to the guys next to you. There will be other newbies there too...you will no doubt find lots of support and companionship as you stick your toe in the water.
As for competitiveness, my experience has been that I am astounded how fast people are, even in beginner class. I have finished DFL once or twice, but usually am middle of the pack. One time none of the regular fast guys showed up and I won!
In any case everybody in the beginner class can be schooled by most people in the faster classes, and we're all painfully aware of it. So even while there is competitiveness, there is humility and cooperation and support and friendliness and everybody is just learning...so go ahead and jump in and try it!
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2,582 Posts
It depends on the course and it depends of course on your shape and age. I am in my mid 50's and in reasonably good shape. I remember going fairly fast on a straight section in the 24 Hours in The Old Pueblo and having people passing me like I was standing still. I think I was going about 14mph. As far as over all average speeds I have average between 8.7 mph and about 12 mph depending on the course with about 2/3 or more of the riders going faster than me. I dont race that much but since biking is more of a form of exercise and recreation racing adds a little spice to the routine.
I second the 'just race' motion. I'm in my second season of riding, first season of racing (done 2 races) and I love it. I was somewhat reluctant to race, not knowing what I was getting myself into, but it is well worth trying. What do you have to lose?
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1,088 Posts
I agree!!! Ditch the speedometer!!! On your MTB anyway, i use it for roadie training, a nasty little habit i have. anyway, i would reccommend that you find a course where you know a race has been held and ride it a full tilt. compare results to sport, beg., expert. Although weather and conditions are definietyl gonna effect the results, it will give you a ballpark. i say start in sport as well. its worth it.
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618 Posts
Speed is relative...
As the above post stated, find out times for the various classes at a course, ride it and compare your self to those times. Then, ride the course regularly and note your improvement. If your a beginner, don't look at expert or sport times. Might be depressing, but remember, everyone had to start somewhere, and very few start as experts. Lots do start as sports due to just having riding experience. I rarely even look at my computer during single track. Start the timer, ride the lap, stop the timer. Compare results. Train more. Do it all again. Racing is the best training.
As the above post stated, find out times for the various classes at a course, ride it and compare your self to those times. Then, ride the course regularly and note your improvement. If your a beginner, don't look at expert or sport times. Might be depressing, but remember, everyone had to start somewhere, and very few start as experts. Lots do start as sports due to just having riding experience. I rarely even look at my computer during single track. Start the timer, ride the lap, stop the timer. Compare results. Train more. Do it all again. Racing is the best training.
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