A friend of mine brought to my attention an interesting fact. The average speed needed to win the TDF hasn't changed much over the years. Supposedly the bikes are lighter and stiffer, training is better, nutrition is better, drugs are better (epo), and there is a larger base of amateur riders to draw from for the pro ranks. Yes, routes are harder, but distances are shorter and there are more rest days than in the past. Have we been duped? If I bought a vintage bike and a book on how to train and race, from the '60s, would I be only a fraction slower than I am now?