Can i just ask.....

prideofcheshire
prideofcheshire Posts: 15
edited July 2008 in Pro race
.....what is probably a stupid question? I am new to the Tour De France so forgive me, why can the yellow jersey not be attcked on the last stage if the gap is only 1 minute 5 seconds? If Evans finished more than that ahead of Sastre would he not take the jersey and the Tour?

Thanks in advance.

Comments

  • redddraggon
    redddraggon Posts: 10,862
    If Evans got in a Breakaway it would be chased down instantly by the might of CSC, and it's not really the done thing to attack the leader on the final stage - the stage is sort of a parade for the yellow jersey holder.
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  • dulldave
    dulldave Posts: 949
    It's more of an exhibition. Traditionally there were no drug controls on the final stage so everyone would just get charged up and have a nice ride to the end.

    Personally I think they should just have the final time trial in Paris.
    Scottish and British...and a bit French
  • le_patron
    le_patron Posts: 494
    You'd get chased down instantly. And laughed at for trying.

    Can you imagine the fury that would drive the chasing legs of Team CSC if Evans attacked on the Champs ? They'd send Spartacus and Big Jens to the front to squash him.
  • prideofcheshire
    prideofcheshire Posts: 15
    Ok, second stupid question :oops: So the CSC team would chase him down but what if one of those CSC riders wasn't Sastre, and he finished more than 1 minute and 5 seconds behind Evans? Would Evans be the winner but probably disgraced for breaking tradition?

    So the bottom line is that the Tour is won on Stage 20, and 21 is purely a parade into Paris?

    Thanks for the replies.
  • redddraggon
    redddraggon Posts: 10,862
    prideofcheshire wrote:
    Ok, second stupid question :oops: So the CSC team would chase him down but what if one of those CSC riders wasn't Sastre, and he finished more than 1 minute and 5 seconds behind Evans?

    They'd chase him down by dragging the peloton towards the breakaway - Sastre would be within the Peloton.
    prideofcheshire wrote:
    So the bottom line is that the Tour is won on Stage 20, and 21 is purely a parade into Paris?

    Normally yes - but It all depends when the final TT is - the last stage has been a TT (like when Lemond won one of his Tours by 9 secs).
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  • prideofcheshire
    prideofcheshire Posts: 15
    Ahh i see. I get it now. So the TT's differ each year as to what stage they are on.

    That's brilliant, thanks! I must say i have really enjoyed watching it. I found the stage on the L'Alpe D'Huez absolutely fascinating.

    Thanks for that.

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