
Tomorrow we'll see a team time trial. Each sponsored team goes out on the run separately and tries to get the best time. The stage is 42 miles long so it isn't that long. Each team will go at a fast clip. The final time awarded to each team however is not straightforward. The first team through will get that time added to each individual's total time. However the second team through will only add the winners team's score + 20 seconds to each individual's time. Third will add 30 seconds and so on. Why you ask? To limit Lance's ability to win the Tour again.
Strange as that may seem it's actually good for the sport. Lance has dominated the tour for so long, the organizers needed to do something to give other teams and riders a chance. Even if Team Discovery wins by 4 minutes the main rider in the second team will only lose 20 seconds to Lance.
The other thing to keep in mind is that the team gets a score. At least 5 riders have to cross the finish line before the time stops. This means you can only drop riders in your team up to that 5th rider. If he bogs down your team will suffer. The weakest link rules here.
Look for Lance and Team Discovery to win this. They are typically machines when it comes to time trials. Extremely efficient. Packed tightly to maximize the drafting, they rarely waver from a perfect line. Other teams are a bit of a crap shoot. Some do this type of stage well and some don't. Expect Phonak and T-Mobile to place well.
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