What is the average mph for a college cyclist (female)?

Question

On a 16 mile hilly course. I'm trying to get an idea of how fast I should be by next year (when I enter college) to be a real competitor. The above course mentioned is the one I mainly train on, the hills are great to practice sprinting up b/c there are all three types: long & gradual, short and steep, and long & steep. (I don't count short & gradual b/c in mind they are called bumps)

Answer 1

Why, I don't know. You don't mention the type of bike you're riding, its weight, or the gearing (chainring and cassette), your height/weight, road surface, etc.

Answer 2

avg 16-18 mph and up, for racing over hilly terrain.

is this collegiate-level, or cat 4?

either way, my guess is faster than you might think!

Answer 3

I think if you could capture just a hair under the pro cyclists you'll be doing OK.  I haven't checked actual numbers but I recommend an internet search.  Look up some of the women races they host in Europe and the States.  There's a lot of course information too so you can see the posted times.

Of course the times are going to vary because as you know in team racing, groups try and slow the peloton, there's breakaways, chases, sprints, etc.

But I would say if you can easily hit close to 30 mph and maintain on a good straight level stretch you are certainly in the ballpark.

Regardless of the terrain - in the absence of Le Tour grade slopes you should be able to easily average over 20 mph after an all day ride!