I wish all bike races were simply a bunch of guys on bikes, racing. Several months after the event was over, some magazine could publish a list of riders and results. Otherwise, no one but the riders would know it was even happening--they way it was meant to be.

Riders would need to carry all tools and parts, all food and drink, or buy what they needed roadside ... but vendors would not be allowed. Let riders use panniers or knapsacks like the rest of us have to.

If I rider was injured on the course ... well, hopefully another rider would notice and report it when the race was over. If not .... well people complain the teams are too big anyway.

And of course, riders would have to mine and refine their own ore, draw their own tubes, and build their own bikes. it might be tough for some riders to own and operate both smelters and rubber plantations, but if they want it bad enough ....

Even in Hemingway's day, teams used chase cars. The sport was already spoiled by then.