even when the lead is tiny, they never bother. why's that?
2007-07-31 07:16:44 · 7 answers · asked by eatagayfoetusforjesus 2 in Sports ➔ Cycling
It is primarily tradition. 1989 was the last time they held a time trial on the last day, probably because it affected the outcome. Lemond won by 8 seconds, making up a 50+ second deficit.
But in addition to the tradition, it would be extremely difficult for someone to even make up any difference in time and they stand to lose a lot. The stage is flat and the winner of the stage is generally a sprinter. They do race on the last day, but it is only for the stage win. The race does not start until they get into Paris.
Take this year as an example. For Cadel Evans to have won (other than by Contador crashing or something) he would have had to win the stage. If he tried, Discovery would have chased him down to preserve their position. Also, most of the sprinter's teams would have chased to that their guy would have a chance to win. In addition, it could have backfired as well and allowed Levi to over take Cadel for second.
The short answer is that it is almost impossible, given the type of stage and there is too much to lose.
2007-07-31 07:37:33 · answer #1 · answered by cyclist451 3 · 4⤊ 1⤋
An attack by a primary contender during a flat portion of the course will always be unsuccessful. This is because the extra effort to break the wind at the front of the group or by yourself is so great that the other teams will be able to easily keep up by riding in the slipstream of the attackers when they try to charge ahead. Only on mountain stages can the stronger riders use their superiority to gain time over inferior competitors. It may look easy to achieve a breakaway, but that is because they mark who is doing it, and decline to chase people who are way down in the overall standings.
2007-07-31 19:31:31 · answer #2 · answered by jethroelfman 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is really hard for any one in contention for the podium to get in a breakaway after the first week. The last day is even harder because the sprinters are in control.
If the second place rider was a great sprinter it might be different but the sprinters usually get weeded out in the mountains.
If Eric Zabel and Tom Boonen were close, you would see a super finale.
2007-07-31 11:49:58 · answer #3 · answered by Menehune 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It has been done before, but historically it is frowned upon by the rest of the riders who treat the stage as a sort of parade around downtown Paris. It really shouldn't even be a stage, but instead should finish with the Saturday time trial.
2007-07-31 07:20:58 · answer #4 · answered by Dr. Summers 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Because bicycle racing is an honorable sport and everyone adheres to the code of conduct? Sort of like baseball
2007-07-31 07:28:34 · answer #5 · answered by sunny d 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Traditionally, the last day is considered a victory lap for the winner. They only ride in. They don't actually race that day.
2007-07-31 07:25:13 · answer #6 · answered by gcason 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
because they are all stoned
2007-07-31 07:24:16 · answer #7 · answered by superstar tradesman 5 · 0⤊ 6⤋