yeah, that's borderline shocking for anyone who follows triathlon to think that equipment decisions are not (perhaps heavily) influenced by sponsorships. It certainly is in higher-paying sports and those athletes are getting millions of dollars. In fact, I think you could fairly say that I would expect a pro athlete to pick slower equipment if the money is sufficient. That is guaranteed money; prize money--even if it approaches the sponsorship dollars-- is not guaranteed.

People seem to forget that this is their job. They have bills and families to support too. I realize it is individualized analysis, but the goal may be to make as much money as possible as much or more as it is to "win." There are an infinite number of other jobs in this world that people would have no issue accepting more money even if that meant not outperforming the competition. It isn't a perfect analogy as I realize sports is inherently more competitive, but worth some additional thought.