Is the Stage 20 just a formality?

[JimGR]

Everyone talks about the time trial deciding it. Is this the case or is it the realization that breakaways are unlikely on the final stage?

Thanks, Jim

[Laggard]

There are two other threads asking the same thing. Every year there seem to be about a dozen similar threads.

[jslopez]

apparently one could conceivably gain time during the final stage so it would be wise not to relax too much despite the results of the TT.

[flythebike]

Last year Vino moved up a notch to fifth on Sunday by getting a time bonus on the line for 1st. But I've never seen it happen before then except for 1989 and that was when the last day was a tt.

[Monument Man]

the sprinter teams will try to control the race to seal up the green jersey. the leaders will have a very, very difficult time trying to break away on the flats under those conditions. if the yellow is still up for grabs, I would expect some crazy things to happen, but generally it's considered pretty close to impossible for a GC guy to make a big break, to win any sprint points/time bonuses, etc. because the sprinter hosses will be out in full force.

vino's final stage in paris last year was amazing, eh? great memories. hope that something liek that happens this year too.

[meb]

the sprinter teams will try to control the race to seal up the green jersey. the leaders will have a very, very difficult time trying to break away on the flats under those conditions. if the yellow is still up for grabs, I would expect some crazy things to happen, but generally it's considered pretty close to impossible for a GC guy to make a big break, to win any sprint points/time bonuses, etc. because the sprinter hosses will be out in full force.

vino's final stage in paris last year was amazing, eh? great memories. hope that something liek that happens this year too.

The green jersey was sealed Friday. Sprinters will be out for stage wins though.

Kloden has a strong enough team he can make a break.