https://ipfs.busy.org/ipfs/Qmem12swqkTnge2j3QNeHprfgeUb65oeJeAE6SWXayLcWp
An interesting graph showing the average speed of the cyclists over the years in the Tour de France. One would expect to see a bigger jump over time with the technology that has been developed. So much money has been injected into developing the lightest and best bikes trying to give the cyclists the edge over their competitors. The development of carbon fiber and streamlined clothing hasn't really improved the times over the last 10 years and is kind of stagnated today.
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Steroids I don't think would have influenced anything as it is widely spread and must have been going on for years before the first rider was caught.I think there is something else that has actually slowed the race down and that is information.
In the mid 1990's radios were commonly used for team directors to stay in contact with their riders. The information fed to them would let them know who was up front in a breakaway and how far ahead they were. The chase could be more calculated and therefore the race would be slower than what it could have been.
We see very few breakaways succeed today and I think this technology should be taken away. If the riders have no idea how far ahead the break away is then it would change the entire race and I think would make for better viewing. For me cycling has become to clinical and calculated and I would love to see it have more raw talent.
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Biking is big business and any developments will trickle down to more affordable bikes over time. A Tour de France team bike will set you back around $15 000 with all the extras and specialised paint jobs.
Well I never watched this from that point of view but after reading your explenation I think you are correct. The problem is how do you want to take away that kind of information. With everyone having a smartphone who is watching the race. Teams could just place someone every few miles who will give them a sign.
Would be great for at least one or two stages at least , but i can't see it happening either. The teams are too clued up and so much money involved these days. I just want to see the best rider winning and not so much a tactical team race. Just seems unfair that they can plan the chase of the break away and time it every time with a few kilometers to spare.
15k . And you still have to pedal it. You could buy a good motorbike for that
Very true and a decent car even. Ok maybe not decent, but still you don't get wet when it rains.
I wonder how hot it is in France right now? That might be impacting the times too. At least this year with the heatwave that is going on. I know it isn't that way all the time. You make some good points about why they might not be riding as fast as they could be.
I get your point on the communication between the riders and the staff. It has been banned in a few races a few years ago. But the teams wanted it back because of safety reasons...
It changed the racing for the good, but the teams are too powerfull...
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I can get the safety reasons aspect and also if someone has a mechanical. Would be nice to maybe have one stage then with no radios and tv's in the cars.
I know, but I don’t see that happening. It’s just how things have grown...
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15k is not much compared to other sports. I didn't know prizes are so low.
After my review on this post, I could see so much money is also pumped into this sport cycling. To me you're correct with your review. I also think this technology should be scrapped But I really don't know what maintainance a 15k bike will take when faulty or due for service
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