There are different bicycles for different types of riding. 'Racing' does not necessarily improve the breed. Road racing technology will not improve loaded touring bikes. Neither will it improve 'freestyle' BMX. The converse is also true. The advancements in road racing technology will improve road racing. How that technology will improve cycling for the average recreational rider is a matter of what can be adopted or adapted for use by a rider just interested in riding a MUP with his kids in tow on their bikes. Will a 'uber-race Carbon Fiber weight weenie bike' help the guy riding to the corner store to buy a pack of cigarettes and a bag of chips? No. Does that same poor schlub need a full-suspension MTB trials bike? No. Does that guy need a 11-speed corncob cassette out back? No. Does that guy need electronic shifting? No.

As for racing improving the breed in other things... Does America's Cup racing improve the average sailboat? No. Does NASCAR racing improve the Chevy in your driveway? Does NHRA Top Fuel funny car racing improve that same Chevy in your driveway? No. No. Does Unlimited Air Racing at Reno improve the flight qualities or performance of a Cessna 172? No. Does it improve fuel efficiency of a Boeing 767 on a flight from Chicago to Honolulu? No.

But racing is fun for those involved in that sport. To be the best in any racing discipline takes money - lots of money.