Originally Posted by
tomato coupe
I'd bet against it. Don't discount the fact that there are some really good riders in the world, and they know how to go fast in all situations. Even when you think you should be faster (on paper) they can still leave you in the dust.
I've been messing around with the Kreuzotter calcuator:
Bicycle Speed (Velocity) And Power Calculator
Pretty hard to beat a tandem on a good descent, especially ours, with dual aerobars and flat backs. The calculator says we should be as fast as a low-rider.
OTOH, topping out at 44 means it's not steep, so the big gear is probably the way to go and it's just a gear and power issue, like you say. The OP doesn't mention the gradient.
I don't draft vehicles. They have more rubber on the road than I do.
On the descents I was referring to, we are a lot faster than that, just coasting. As it is said, never pass a tandem near the crest of a hill. We hit 44 yesterday, sitting up and braking, alternating front and rear. I don't let it run anymore - it's not worth it.