La Primavera, Milan-San Remo, is tomorrow. In 1967, Eddy Merckx won the 288km race with a time of 6h 25m 40s for an average speed of 44.8kph. That's an average speed of 27.8mph. AVERAGE. Over 179 miles. On a steel bike with toeclips and straps, down tube friction shifters, 5 speed freewheel, wool shorts, and no power meter. Only twice (1990 and 2006) has anyone had a higher average speed.
My question is what do you really need to ride your bike fast? I mean really, really need. Look at your bike and ask yourself "does that help me go faster?" Then look in a mirror into your eyes.
Thanks to Tom for the inspiration to this post.
(What's playing: Eddy Merckx at Milan-San Remo 1967)
