Average speed of a sportive?

[helston90]

At the end of April I'm doing my first ever sportive, I've opted for the short loop at 42 miles just to see what it's like and understand how they work before having to be too worried about if I'll make the distance.

What would be the average speed of a sportive rider over a 42 mile course climbing 4000ft? I know it's not a race but don't want to be stuck with the broom wagon at the back wishing I'd put more effort into training.

Any guestimates or previous experiences would be greatly appreciated.

 

[vickster]

Ride London has an average of 12-13mph over the 100. On a shorter but hill course, guess 13-15? Sportive a are done by all ages and both genders on a range of machines so if you can manage that on a road bike I would think you'll be fine

 

[ianrauk]

There is no broom wagon. Just a car that collects all the signs. You will not be swept up if running late. Sportive's are run on open roads. So you can take as long as you like.

 

[helston90]

^Teach me not to read it right- the broom wagon that it refers to in the application is for medical/ serious mechanicals which will give you a lift back to HQ, it doesn't mention if your'e too slow.

 

[zizou]

It varies hugely not just on the terrain but the event too.

I think generally a 42 mile course with 4000ft of climbing then if you can average 15mph then that would be top half of the field.

If the sportive has been run before then you will probably be able to find the times for previous years.

 

[TeeQue]

I've been considering a sportive, would tackling one on a semi slick tired MTB be a stupid idea?

I seem to be averaging about 11mph at the moment over hilly terrain.

 

[Hacienda71]

You will find people of all abilities and on all sorts of bikes, just go for it if it gives you a bit of motivation to ride.

 

[Stu Plows]

TeeQue, no stopping you on an MTB, seen plenty on the ones I have done.

To the OP - Don't worry about speed, you'll be fine 4000ft over 42 miles is pretty hilly to me... I'd expect 13-15mph out of me.

 

[ianrauk]

I've been considering a sportive, would tackling one on a semi slick tired MTB be a stupid idea?

I seem to be averaging about 11mph at the moment over hilly terrain.

No... go for it.

 

[Mike!]

Before I knew better I did the London to Brighton on an MTB with knobblies

You'll be fine!

 

[helston90]

The 42 miler is 4900 ft, the 64 miler is 6,500ft and the one I won't be doing for a while is the 95 miler at 9,200ft
Cheers for the reassurance people.

 

[HLaB]

From the Sportives I've done there is all range of bikes and abilitites, sometimes the organiser will state the times or speeds needed before a sweep vehicle comes through but I wouldn't worry about it, enjoy the ride.

 

[Smurfy]

I'd class almost 100ft per mile as pretty hilly. If you're not used to that level of climbing you might get a shock!

 

[nickyboy]

4,900ft over 42 miles is a hard ride so unless you're very fit or very skinny or ideally both, don't expect more than 12mph in your planning. So three and a half hours plus stops, minimum.

But who cares? Just go out, ride, and enjoy yourself. And try to get some hill climbing in before the event

 

[berty bassett]

where is it ? sounds hilly !