Ever wondered how your cycling stats compare to the pros? The Tour de France is the pinnacle of road racing—and the numbers behind it are as intense as the climbs. Bicycling Magazine put together a look at how world-class cyclists stack up against the average rider in a few key categories. Spoiler: they’re fast. Really fast.
Time Trial Speed
Tour de France pros aren’t just quick; they’re relentless. Over a 30K time trial, a pro rider will clock in nearly 20 minutes faster than the average cyclist, thanks to raw power and next-level endurance.
Average Cyclist: 19–20 mph
Tour Pro: 29–31 mph
Speed on the Flats
Even on flat terrain, Tour riders maintain incredible pace to stay competitive in the peloton,
nearly double the speed of your weekend group ride.
Average Cyclist: 17–18 mph
Tour Pro: 25–28 mph
Sprint Power Output
When it’s time to unleash in the final seconds of a stage, sprinters like Mark Cavendish can hit upwards of 1,400 watts. That’s nearly double (or more) the power of the average rider’s all-out effort.
Average Cyclist: 600–800 watts
Tour Pro: 1,200–1,400 watts
Resting Heart Rate
Riders’ average resting heart rate is a jaw-dropping 40–42 bpm—proof of just how conditioned these athletes are.
Average Cyclist: 60–100 bpm
Tour Pro: ~40 bpm
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