Originally Posted by
mstateglfr
If we accpunt for doping, then of course the 00s and 10s should also be included. Its not like doping ended in the 90s...far from it.
Perhaps the incremental increase(which counters Campy's claim of huge leaps) in speed is due to a bettrr understanding of nutrition and advancements in sports science.
Training, sports science, dedication to the racing. When did riders go all pro? No longer are they farmers by day, and riders when it is convenient. Riding is 100% of their job, and probably has been since teenagers.
I'm not convinced we are truly drug-free yet either. But are there riders that have used drugs to bulk up in the past even if they're clean today?
Has teamwork also changed? Sacrifice the team to get the sprinter to the finish line in the best shape possible.
Power Meters & Training/Riding based on power? What has the move from 10 speeds to 22 speeds brought? More gearing choices? LOWER GEARS for hills, and more emphasis to keep in the optimum power/cadence range.
Frame stiffness?