At 33km it was just a couple of kilometres over my standard commute and also - depressingly - completed in only a few minutes more than half the fastest time I can manage my commute. They even had a head wind for a bit!
It is tempting to blame it all on the equipment: skin suits, WAY better bikes and bizarrely not one of them carrying a large, heavy and un-aerodynamic rucksack containing spares, tools, clothes, laptop and packed lunch. I also noticed none of them had to slow or stop for stray sheep or cows.
But, I think it is all about the engine. Just where are my thighs?