This is funny! Kids in Europe have been racing bikes to go pro and get out of the life as a peasant, the existence of their families for generations, just like inner city kids in this country look to go pro basketball. They are coached by ex-racers who have done the same. This has been going on for more than a century. And long ago, they figured out that a direct connection to the pedal was necessary. Look at the racing photos of the 1890s. You will see cleats and straps pulled tight.

Remember this was before generations of cycling tradition. Also keep in mind the brightest minds on the planet had their sights on bikes. This was before auto, aero and computers. They were building world class drive shaft bikes then. World records were set on them. If platform pedals were faster, they would have switched to them in a flash.

Ben