Originally Posted by Ira in Chi
The only thing a brake helps you do is slow down faster. If you're constantly tempted to dump speed, your average goes down. A good brakeless rider rarely stops, hence less fluctuation and better average. I'm playing devil's advocate a little, but the fact is there are two different techniques and between two skilled riders, one isn't necessarily superior.
Given the same skills, a rider with a brake will be able to ride faster, as they can afford to leave less margin of error.
__________________
Philosophy and feelings don't change the laws of physics