Would it be within the rules to include a power capturing mechanism like a flywheel or spring that can be unleashed at the end? That would change the game to maximizing total energy output over the 5 miles, and make the whole section count.
Even without reading the rules - no. Otherwise, why not spend 8 hours to go the 5 miles, charging up the system the whole time, and get a brief burst of 100+ mph at the end? It'll end up seeing who can build the better power capturing mechanism, not seeing how fast a human powered vehicle can go.
