Professional Cycling For the Fans - TDF - Basic Scoring

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noFantCshirt
07-16-09, 10:45 AM
Hello,

Sorry for the intrusion... rookie here.

I'm new to this forum and to competitive cycling in general.
Could someone direct me to the basics of scoring and strategy for the Tour?

What is a point’s leader as opposed to the overall leader and how does one go about getting points?

I don't understand how the top 5 riders can remain "point zero something" behind each other over many stages and hundreds of kilometers, and not cross the finish line in exactly the same order, within a tire width of each other, every time?

If someone has time to explain this to a novice, it would be much appreciated.

Cheers,
Luna

lotek
07-16-09, 11:07 AM
Here's a few links:
http://www.letour.fr/us/homepage_horscourseTDF.html
http://www.bicycling.com/tourdefrance/0,6805,,00.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tour_de_France
Roobaix
07-16-09, 11:14 AM
What is a point’s leader as opposed to the overall leader and how does one go about getting points?

Green Jersey - Sprinter points leader
Polka Dot Jersey - Hill climb points leader
White Jersey - Under 25 overall time leader
Yellow Jersey - Overall time leader

Points are attained at certain areas along the stage...like the top of a hill or a sprint line.


I don't understand how the top 5 riders can remain "point zero something" behind each other over many stages and hundreds of kilometers, and not cross the finish line in exactly the same order, within a tire width of each other, every time?You're essentially racing against the clock. When the peloton crosses the finish line, all of the riders in it are awarded the same time. Only when there is a break do different times get awarded.

During a hill stage, gaps normally form between riders. Gaps are also formed during TT and TTT. You add up all of the stage times and that is the total. Whoever has the lowest time gets the yellow jersey. Nocentini, Contador, Armstrong...they're all finishing in the peloton right now so they get the same time...hence the overall lead hasn't changed over the past few stages.

Times will change tomorrow in the mountains.