Is It the Athlete or the Equipment?

The International Cycling Union recently alerted professional teams that it intends to crack down on new technology in bicycle designs and accessories that might give an unfair advantage to teams with access to the latest breakthroughs.

Similar debates are perennially going on in golf, tennis and swimming because advances in equipment design can significantly affect how well athletes perform. Athletes don’t have equal access to the best training facilities and coaches. Why should a line be drawn denying them access to the latest technology?

On the surface, the International Cycling Union rules have the appearance of leveling the playing field for athletes and manufacturers. But when examined more closely, the policies make little sense.

Fielding a competitive team on a pro tour level often costs in excess of 10 million euros, with bike manufacturers often contributing greater than $1 million in cash. Bike development costs are a small fraction of this total compared to myriad other marketing, travel, salary and overhead costs.

Read the full post here.