UCI regulations assert the primacy of man over machine. In other words, the rules are designed so that racing success is more about the rider rather than the bike. However, Thomas Damuseau, a former pro racer who is now head of equipment at AG2R, said, “Obviously, the rider is still the horse, but between fully-developed bikes from manufacturers with means and others who are more limited, it’s night and day.
“The riders understand this, they talk about it among themselves in the peloton. And when they have to choose their future team, they look at the bike before the contract.”
That’s quite a statement.
AG2R sporting director Julien Jurdie said the best bikes attract big-name riders who are, in turn, the key in the “war to get the contract of the right manufacturers” – so it’s a self-perpetuating system.
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