It is really, undoubtedly, absolutely, positively not about the bicycle.

I come from a swimming background. When we trained in the pool, we NEVER, EVER used our racing suits. We never wore caps to train. We actually wore "drag suits" all the time, and only took them off before we got on the starting block.

When I started cycling, I was shocked to see people "training" on 14 pound bikes and aero wheels. I still feel blasphemous when I have to break in racing tires on a training ride.

In other words, it's not about the bike. Screw the bike. Put weights and 25 mm tires on it.