The differences in the sprints in the first three flat stages of the
TdF compared to the stages in the Giro when Cip was contending were impressive. Cip's team has the sprint down to a fine art.
Three high speed riders give Cip a lead in in the last 4-6km of the race, with the pace accelerating to 32-35mph, one rides for 2-3km and then goes off and the next guy continues hammering for all he is worth for 1-2km and the peals off and the 3d guy takes over. Cip has 'iron shoulders' and is very difficult to dislodge from his protected position in this train. Everybody else is trying desparately to get a wheel. Finally the 3d guy peals off somewhere below 500m to go and Cip winds it up and does his stuff. Happened everytime. Wish the TdF would have some over heads of the final 5km to show the sprint tactics. The TdF sprints have been a bit more mano a mano and chaotic by comparison with Cip's well oiled machine. Steve