Hills -- is it true?

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Ah, yes, but notice Pantani's saddle to bar drop compared to Veronica's. The drops on her bars are about where the tops of his are.

True, and also he's in a race where every millisecond counts, so switching hands back and forth too many times may lose precious time.
Veronica is on her lovely Rivendell Rambouillet if I'm not mistaken- a bike geometry/philosophy that is known for building the bars at about the same level as the seat. (just like MY blue sister-bike!)

I have a sentimental fondness for standing up for hills when I can- it takes me right back to my chilhood biking days.