This year has been windier than average, but windspeeds gusting to 45mph are still unusual. Believe me, in my job wind is incredibly important and winds of that magnitude cause significant disruption! However, there's no doubt that the number of days with windspeeds at or above 15mph (which, in my opinion, is when they get significant for cycling) has been very high. Steve has alluded to this a number of times in explaining his choice of routes.