Originally Posted by
Hermes
I watched the final stage of the TdF tonight and the last 8 laps (32 miles) on the Champs-Élysées looked fast especially the last 20 minutes. ...
I would find it difficult to imagine a faster average road race speed than the UCI world tour riders racing loops in Paris setting up for a sprint finish for the final stage win for the TdF.
I think the William boys are as fast. Not for a whole Tour stage - but for an hour.
The WT riders are marathoners, while the USA crit monsters are more middle distance. There is overlap, but just like the temptation to use track riders, there is a lot of speed and power you give up to race 4-5 hours a day.