Originally Posted by
puppypilgrim
"In fact the same time is given to everyone in the main field within the last 3km."...
If this is true, why was it a disaster for the Contador to have been caught napping on TDF Stage 3 when a group broke away in the cross wind led by team Columbia? As long as the main peloton finished within 3 km of the break away group they are given the same no? Or since the breakaway is really a breakaway group and not the peloton, the clock keeps ticking until the 1st rider of the peloton crosses the finish line. Then everyone within 3 km of the 1st peloton rider is given the same time?
Thanks.
You're misinterpreting the rule.
If you are with the main group with less than 3 km to go, and you are disadvantaged by a crash or mechanical problem, and you then, still manage to finish, you will be credited with the same time as the group you were with.
On stage 3, the split in groups developed with over 3km to go, so it wasn't covered by the rule.
Similarly, if you were riding with the main group at 3 km to go, and you got tired with 2 km to go, and then finished behind that group, you do not get given credit for their time. The separation has to be the result of a mechanical, or an accident in order to count.
The "group" is defined as consisting of riders who cross the line without being broken by a 2 bicycle length gap. If this happens, all the riders in any successive group are given the same time as the first rider in their group.