Tour de France questions

[hatler]

There is also a best team classification which isn't always won by the team with the best rider (look for riders with yellow numbers on their jerseys).

I think that the team in the lead of the team competition wear yellow helmets, not numbers, but ICBW.

 

[MisterStan]

From Wikipedia;
Until 1990, the team classification leaders could be recognized by yellow caps. Since 2006 the best team has worn black on yellow back numbers.[1] Beginning in 2012 the best team was awarded the right, but not the obligation, to wear yellow helmets.[5][6]

 

[AndyRM]

The Ned Boulting and Chris Boardman bits are quite good for explaining how the race works too.

Quite the double act.

Great fun, aren't they? "C'est quoi, le peloton?"

 

[mjr]

Neducational films FTW!

 

[AndyRM]

From Wikipedia;
Until 1990, the team classification leaders could be recognized by yellow caps. Since 2006 the best team has worn black on yellow back numbers.[1] Beginning in 2012 the best team was awarded the right, but not the obligation, to wear yellow helmets.[5][6]

I wish BMC hadn't exercised that right, looks bloody stupid with their red/black kit.

 

[MisterStan]

I wish BMC hadn't exercised that right, looks bloody stupid with their red/black kit.

I think SKY did the same in 2012. Still looks shoot.

 

[MisterStan]

Just to add, it looks a damn sight better than Rolland did when he went polka dot mad!

 

[AndyRM]

Just to add, it looks a damn sight better than Rolland did when he went polka dot mad!

Look at that smirk! It's like he knows what he's done and how awful it is but just doesn't care.

"Yeah, I'm KOM, and I've done this. What?"

 

[MisterStan]

Look at that smirk! It's like he knows what he's done and how awful it is but just doesn't care.

"Yeah, I'm KOM, and I've done this. What?"

Shame he forgot to do his shoes really. I suppose we can let him off, he is French...

 

[SpokeyDokey]

So, as I understand it. An individual rider would be highly unlikely to win the TdF due to all the team stuff previously outlined.

So...why aren't the prizes for final TdF placings awarded to teams instead of individual riders?

 

[mcshroom]

There is a team prize for the best overall team, but historically the winner is the best individual. In the beginning you could enter the TdF (and the other grand tours) as an individual, though that hasn't been possible for decades.

 

[AndyRM]

So, as I understand it. An individual rider would be highly unlikely to win the TdF due to all the team stuff previously outlined.

So...why aren't the prizes for final TdF placings awarded to teams instead of individual riders?

I read an article that explained this really, really well. I'll have to see if I can dig it up.

My basic understanding is that the Tour started as an individual race: over the years teams were introduced but the idea of having a single winner remained.

 

[AndyRM]

Great minds @mcshroom!!

 

[Dogtrousers]

So...why aren't the prizes for final TdF placings awarded to teams instead of individual riders?

In a way they are, because the winner splits the prize money with his team. (blah blah Wiggins blah blah Froome)

 

[mjr]

So, as I understand it. An individual rider would be highly unlikely to win the TdF due to all the team stuff previously outlined.

So...why aren't the prizes for final TdF placings awarded to teams instead of individual riders?

Because it doesn't really matter because the individuals share the prizes with the rest of their team. I'm sure I've heard that the category winners' big money now comes from appearance fees and sponsorships from events (including races) and things that want to associate with the TdF winners.