I think experience shows that the bikes are so similar, that there is very little difference in performance. The riders may have preferences, and certainly the sponsors and manufacturers have financial interests, but the bikes rarely make a difference.
BUT, race radios have a huge effect on the racing as the stage unfolds. Breaks are chased down or not, individuals are dropped or not, early racing during the stage is greatly effected. This year’s Tour winner, was a true champion, but it is undeniable that he raced the last week with strategy tied directly to knowing exactly what the race situation every minute of the stages.
Agreed to all you stated.
But, “Everybody has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.”
How much do the radios take away from the gamesmanship of the ‘Master of the Peloton (Le Patron)’?
Was it LA that set a new record for the peloton one hot flat day, just to discipline a few?
“BUT, race radios have a huge effect on the racing as the stage unfolds. Breaks are chased down or not, individuals are dropped or not, early racing during the stage is greatly effected. “
Should the NFL remove the eye in the sky coaches who look at alignments and decide on the play to be called?