sorry but you're just wrong, Sure most pros still use a 39t inner ring on the mountains but an 11-28 is standard and most pros will drop to a 36 or even 34t. I think what you're missing is that an 11-28 11spd block is the same as a 11-23 9 speed block with a few more cogs glued on.
You're probably right about what gearing is on their bike. But I know from the pro's I know (and they're not even pro tour, "only" continental) it's over and out as soon as they have to shift to the (39 x) 28 when the hammer goes down in a mountain stage.
sorry but you're just wrong, Sure most pros still use a 39t inner ring on the mountains but an 11-28 is standard and most pros will drop to a 36 or even 34t. I think what you're missing is that an 11-28 11spd block is the same as a 11-23 9 speed block with a few more cogs glued on.