it's just a guess im not totally sure if they return them or not, but just based on the assumption that RM is not paying a cyclist nearly as much as the watch is worth every year just to have it on his wrist.
Even the best cyclists make like maybe 5m/yr +endorsements.. it's not as rich a sport as football or baseball.
i doubt RM is putting a 500k watch on their wrist and letting them keep it.
edit:
https://www.cyclingnews.com/news/why...to-break-them/