Anyone comparing legal bike race tactics to a running race is missing something.
Someone running beside you encouraging you at the end of a race does help, that's why they have pacers to begin with.
A veteran competitor giving you solid information on a competitor is way more helpful than spectators yelling that someone is 50yrds...no 20 yrds...no 75 yrds behind you. Just not having to turn around when you're bone-assed tired helps.
Lastly did Verran do anything for Deena that Marla Runyans escorts weren't allowed to do for her at NYC. From the reports I read they were prohibitted from telling her just about everything.
Good on Deena for going for it, bummer it has to have a controversial ending.