[l1tany11]

The reason is the same reason these issues come up in Motorsports. In reality, technology matters. And sponsors (Nike, Pirelli, etc) are attracted to the sport in part for that reason. Sports don’t exist at the level they do without sponsors. So it’s a synergistic thing. The governing body has to come up with rules, and try to enforce them.

Why don’t they use recumbent bikes at the Tour? They are way faster, way more aerodynamic. But the rules prohibit it because bike companies think (almost certainly correctly) that they won’t sell like normal bikes due to the myriad issues with them.

People may think that something as simple as running is “pure” but they are just uninformed. Aerodynamic skin suits are useful in running (and have been used to win gold at the Olympics).