If safety equipment was mandatory at the pro level like it is on MTB, everyone would have that added increase. More research and development would go into lighter, breathable, rip proof fabric and lightweight, aerodynamic hard protection. Sure, time would go down, but I don’t see why you should sacrifice safety and health for a few seconds off your times.
The downside to time cost is nobody will every break the records of old. (though we also know that in the past drugs, blood doping, and other things that are not allowed was done so breaking records may not be possible anyway)
If safety equipment was mandatory at the pro level like it is on MTB, everyone would have that added increase. More research and development would go into lighter, breathable, rip proof fabric and lightweight, aerodynamic hard protection. Sure, time would go down, but I don’t see why you should sacrifice safety and health for a few seconds off your times.
I do agree. More equipment = fewer people getting into the sport. And if you do it for road, then you have to do it for gravel races…
It’s a tough call. I guess if a large number of pros want it, then it should be done.
The downside to time cost is nobody will every break the records of old. (though we also know that in the past drugs, blood doping, and other things that are not allowed was done so breaking records may not be possible anyway)
Na there will be a beast in 15 years that’ll come out of nowhere to smash it with pads on and set a new standard.
(Now is “the past” of tomorrow 😉)