Sure, also I don't think there has been any doubt that they are not safe to use in a group, other than on the front.
My point was not 'aerobars are faster', which is not in doubt, but that some of the first finishers I spoke to attributed the high speeds this year to them, rather than say the weather conditions or the route changes.
In the short time I was riding I thought it worked well with aerobars being allowed but, as far as I could see, not used by following riders. I'm sure there would be the odd exception, but that was what I saw. I've not heard reports of pile ups.
The speed vs comfort point is interesting. Narrower is still faster: getting narrower by x sq cm is potentially as valuable as getting lower by the same area. But also more comfortable makes you faster too, no? As you can carry on for longer in a fast position if its comfortable, or bearable might be a better word.
I put aerobars on the tandem this time as soon as I heard they were permitted even though I didn't expect to use them much because I've had hand problems on previous pbps, which I've not had on other longer rides. My priority was comfort but I expected a bit of extra speed as a by product.
