TBH my average of 18/19MPH + keeps me going as ‘padding’ in road races. I think to get to the point where I can even see the front runners I need to be averaging 21/22MPH. BTW my averages are only taken on known 100Km route.
Seriously I’ve known many men that claim to have high averages, but struggle with a single kilometre in a race.
However I’ve seen fit and strong newcommers end up a jibbering wreck at races, what I’m saying is some people just can’t race, but remain strong otherwise.
It also interesting that a lot of older riders recognise that there are many fit strong and well equiped riders on the roads nowadays.
Now you’ve got my 25TT juices flowing, it’s been about 25 years or more since I got my fastest 01.00.57 that was a steel frame, clips and straps, exposed brake cables and normal drops.
Edit; I’m trying to find the info passed on by this chap ‘Mike olheiser’ I think IIRC he suggested I should be aiming at 25/26MPH on short runs and 18/20MPH for long runs of about 100 miles plus. That got filed straight away 😳