I think you're missing about how good these AG timetrailers are and how competitive the races are. The very best are very good cyclists, and if a triathlete is mixing it up at the front they are really strong for a triathlete.

Timetrialling is a massive thing in the UK with literally 100s of events every week all over the country, and people take it very seriously. The very best amateurs over the past few years Matt Bottrill, Michael Hutchinson etc. have been capable of mixing it up with pros.