First of all I have never competed in a bike race in my lifetime.
It appears to me that if a competitor makes the effort to become the best in his field of endeavor;that he will not be held back by settling for inferior equipment.Top athletes have access to whatever equipment necessary to accomplish their task & are usually paid handsomely to endorse products.
This being the case anyone is at liberty to ride or use whatever equipment they feel is necessary to accomplish the task.[I know about team equipment,but that never stopped a super star from getting what he preferred.}
Nick Zatezalo
Atlanta,Ga