The move by the UCI not to recognise attempts at the hour record where the bikes involved did not correspond to the spec of Merckx's 1972 machine was forward-thinking - it created a level playing field and stopped the hour record from becoming ridiculous.

The new polyurethane swim-suits are simply nothing like what Joe Public wears to the local baths and the success of those wearing them is making a mockery of others' previous efforts.

I hope FINA goes further than banning the suits prospectively by discounting records that have been set using these suits.

Also in 1972, at the Munich Olympics, Mark Spitz won seven gold medals in the pool wearing a pair of trunks that might well be branded obscene nowadays, with no goggles or cap over his huge Barnet, and sporting a moustache to boot.  And he broke the world record in each of the seven events while he was at it.

It's a no-brainer...

Er, what do swim suits have to do with the Tour de France? ???

He could probably have gone even faster if he hadn't worn so much jewellery...

saharalass:

He could probably have gone even faster if he hadn't worn so much jewellery...

LOL! I'm well and truly confused now.

Bit of a left field comment this but I'm not complaining.  Just confused.  However, talking of the hour competition, watching Boardman doing his 'final hour' on that film was great (i think it was on a basic bike to comply with the new rules).  Pulling back the distance in the last ten minutes or so was pretty incredible and a reminder to all and sundry that he was one of the best time trailists of recent years.

Sorry, can't get worked up about the swimming cossi saga.

I get the point about having a level playing field with regards to comparing records but if improvements to styles and equipment are never allowed they'd still be doing the tour on penny farthings wearing plus fours....