I have made the experience in all my last five races (includes Challenge half-distance, 70.3 and local Olympic distances) that age group M45 (and sometimes even M50) winners are faster than M40. I looked for reference at Kona, IM Frankfurt and Challenge Roth. Kona and Frankfurt have faster M40 winners, but the difference and up to 10th place does not differ that much. Challenge Roth has a faster M45 podium than M40. And recent German AG sprint Nationals had a M40 winner being slower than M45 and M50.
Is there a pattern? Probably not the avg. athlete - I looked at Coach Cox. However, is a top M45 athlete typically faster than a top M40 athlete? I mean the triathlete that wins his age group (or finishes on podium) at a local Olympic distance and the "local" 70.3?
If so, what makes a difference? More time (kids old enough, so there is time to get back to long bicycle rides?), more money for better equipment and training (coach?), getting wiser and being more focused? Or was my observation just pure accident?
I am wondering because I am M40 and wonder if I should expect to become faster once I will turn 45!? ;-)
Is there a pattern? Probably not the avg. athlete - I looked at Coach Cox. However, is a top M45 athlete typically faster than a top M40 athlete? I mean the triathlete that wins his age group (or finishes on podium) at a local Olympic distance and the "local" 70.3?
If so, what makes a difference? More time (kids old enough, so there is time to get back to long bicycle rides?), more money for better equipment and training (coach?), getting wiser and being more focused? Or was my observation just pure accident?
I am wondering because I am M40 and wonder if I should expect to become faster once I will turn 45!? ;-)