The benefits of the aero bars in TT or triathlon vs road bars is proven in every TDF TT (well except moutain stages). The aerobars essentially made TT funny bikes obsolete. The theory behind the funny bikes was to put you in a low aerodynamic position by way of smaller front wheel and bull horn bars (basically keeping you in the drops position). It works, however the aerobars work Better.
The proven theory behind the original Scott DH bars was the same applied in Down Hill skiing (hence the DH). Once downhill skiers couldn't get any lower they figured out putting their hands in front of their face and bringing their elbows in closer, increase their speed, period.
That same advantage applied to first triathletes then cyclist a few years later. The aero bars put you in a position that creates a wedge allowing you to slice thru the wind. Other benefits were noted and used by triathletes and some of those benefits apply to all cyclist as well. For example, allowing you work harder at a lower heart rate, and allowing for better recovery.
I cite Boone Lennon, John Cobbs, and L.A. for their extensive research and race proven results.
One last thing in '89 Dave Scott was still using DT shifters with aerobars but I suspect because of his Shimano sponsorship and also because in a 112 mile TT it isn't as Important. Dave Scott also was one of the first pros approached about using the aerobars. However, he felt the were to squirrelly and didn't see the benefits. A few months later he was passed by everyone using g aerobars and got on board as has every Professional cyclist in non mountainous Time Trials.
Think about it, with @
RobbieTunes national class runners lungs, he would have passed everybody drop bars or not. But as long as you can get as comfortable on aerobars as road bars in Time Trials and all things being equal you will go faster with aerobars●