An opinion that is causing annoyance in the cycling camp. Where the control network has become ever more tightly meshed, the industry has long since changed and dedicated itself to other - legal - areas to improve performance. "Marginal gains" is the magic formula, i.e. minimal advantages in all areas that can make all the difference.
The multi-million dollar Ineos racing team with its enterprising team boss Dave Brailsford has perfected this little game over the years - sometimes pushing the boundaries of what is permitted, for example with medical exemptions for Bradley Wiggins. The Brits have won six of the last seven Tours.
The super team around defending champion Geraint Thomas has long since become a role model for many racing teams. The next highlight is apparently the use of ketone supplements. Those responsible at Tony Martin's racing team are quite open about it: "Ketones are dietary supplements. The substance is not on the banned list. It is known that several teams use them," team boss Richard Plugge told the Dutch newspaper "Telegraaf".
Ralph Denk from the German Bora-hansgrohe team is not that open-hearted and refers to certain "trade secrets", where it is not about trivial things like tyre pressure. "But we would be out of place if we hadn't thought about it," the team boss told the German Press Agency, adding: "It's not doping. We've already had tests." He left open whether ketone preparations are used at Bora.
Ketones are usually produced in the body itself when glucose reserves are depleted. They act as a kind of reserve energy. In a study by the University of Leuven, scientists are said to have discovered that ketone supplements can boost endurance athletes' performance by up to 15 per cent. If this is true, the benefit would be immense and would perhaps go some way to explaining why Jumbo has already won 39 races this year.
It is the details that are becoming increasingly important. Denk refers to the Tour as the "Formula 1 of cycling" and lists: "There are five mechanics working on the bikes day and night, we have two chefs, nutritionists and trainers on site." Bora is not alone in this. The German team Sunweb has just unveiled its training centre in Sittard. Not only will young, up-and-coming riders live and train there in future, but areas such as research, equipment, coaching and race evaluation will also be brought together there.
But the Ineos team towers above it all. During the tour, Thomas and Co. use special bicycle chains with a special coating. This should save the riders ten watts. The cost? A hefty 6700 euros, but with an annual budget of more than 40 million euros, this is bearable.
The Sky successor once again sets new standards. Every little detail has been scientifically analysed under Brailsford. Whether more comfortable racing saddles, massage gels for better regeneration, air cushions in racing suits or separate mattresses for the riders - hundreds of small things that together have a big effect. The British had even developed motorhomes as a place for the top drivers to sleep before the world governing body banned them.
And four-time Tour winner Chris Froome had already eaten his special meal at the post-race press conferences in the past, as this was the best time for his body to absorb food. According to Brailsford, Ineos will not be using medical exemptions for the 2019 Tour. Will that convince Jaksche?
