That may have been the single greatest memory I have ever had watching TDF's. Why has there never been another final day tt?
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Re: '89 time trial final stage: why no more? [tigerpaws]
[ In reply to ]
Probably because the final sprint stage on the Champs Elysses is iconic. The 100th Giro finished with aTT in Milan, a couple of years ago.
Re: '89 time trial final stage: why no more? [tigerpaws]
[ In reply to ]
For French people not to relive the agony of Fignon in these dying minutes...
I remember it vividly, watching it on tv as a kid and the whole country sighing in unison.
I think French tv and tour viewers enjoys the 'handshake' between the 'maillot jaune' and the guy who will be awarded the same title 2 years later for obscure reasons.
The messages to family members and friends written on small boards are also part of the tradition.
I believe there are also practical jokes played at the expense or with the help of team directors on that day as well.
The stage is pretty much neutralized and has been almost useless lately, but I remember crazy sprints on the Champs Elysées back in the days (and falls too).
A TT would however be great with less than a minute for sure.
Those handlebars will haunt me forever...
Only fools never change their minds and I'll never change my mind about that.
I remember it vividly, watching it on tv as a kid and the whole country sighing in unison.
I think French tv and tour viewers enjoys the 'handshake' between the 'maillot jaune' and the guy who will be awarded the same title 2 years later for obscure reasons.
The messages to family members and friends written on small boards are also part of the tradition.
I believe there are also practical jokes played at the expense or with the help of team directors on that day as well.
The stage is pretty much neutralized and has been almost useless lately, but I remember crazy sprints on the Champs Elysées back in the days (and falls too).
A TT would however be great with less than a minute for sure.
Those handlebars will haunt me forever...
Only fools never change their minds and I'll never change my mind about that.
Re: '89 time trial final stage: why no more? [Bancarel]
[ In reply to ]
Bancarel wrote:
For French people not to relive the agony of Fignon in these dying minutes... ...
This.
Re: '89 time trial final stage: why no more? [sdmike]
[ In reply to ]
sdmike wrote:
Bancarel wrote:
For French people not to relive the agony of Fignon in these dying minutes... ...
This.
Yea I kinda thought that myself, but that would just be pure pussy. That can't be right?
I guess if we ever see a French GC contender who can tt and the TDF has 6 ITT's of 250 miles then we know;)
Re: '89 time trial final stage: why no more? [tigerpaws]
[ In reply to ]
Quite honestly, they got lucky in '89. The race came down to the final TT, but it took a heroic ride by Lemond's to make it all happen.
The final TT in the Tour is usually not decisive, so to end the race with a TT on the Champs is likely to be undramatic.
The traditional final stage has pomp and circumstance and gives the public plenty of opportunities to see the bunch and get treated to a bunch sprint.
Chicago Cubs - 2016 WORLD SERIES Champions!!!!
"If ever the time should come, when vain and aspiring men shall possess the highest seats in government, our country will stand in need of its experienced patriots to prevent its ruin." - Samuel Adams
The final TT in the Tour is usually not decisive, so to end the race with a TT on the Champs is likely to be undramatic.
The traditional final stage has pomp and circumstance and gives the public plenty of opportunities to see the bunch and get treated to a bunch sprint.
Chicago Cubs - 2016 WORLD SERIES Champions!!!!
"If ever the time should come, when vain and aspiring men shall possess the highest seats in government, our country will stand in need of its experienced patriots to prevent its ruin." - Samuel Adams
Re: '89 time trial final stage: why no more? [Power13]
[ In reply to ]
Re: '89 time trial final stage: why no more? [tigerpaws]
[ In reply to ]
Because the circuit race along the champs elysees with a bunch sprint is much more exciting. Sprints every lap, breakaways galore, guys riding in the smoother pavement in the gutter. Massive team pursuit efforts to bring back the break and setup the sprint. Yeah...much more exciting...
Re: '89 time trial final stage: why no more? [tigerpaws]
[ In reply to ]
Sure, last year would have worked, as would have '07. BUt again, it USUALLY doesn't impact the final win...and there is no way to predict ahead of time if it will.
The traditional finish DOES have a guaranteed spectacle built into it ( even if it doesn't affect the race overall).
Chicago Cubs - 2016 WORLD SERIES Champions!!!!
"If ever the time should come, when vain and aspiring men shall possess the highest seats in government, our country will stand in need of its experienced patriots to prevent its ruin." - Samuel Adams
The traditional finish DOES have a guaranteed spectacle built into it ( even if it doesn't affect the race overall).
Chicago Cubs - 2016 WORLD SERIES Champions!!!!
"If ever the time should come, when vain and aspiring men shall possess the highest seats in government, our country will stand in need of its experienced patriots to prevent its ruin." - Samuel Adams
Re: '89 time trial final stage: why no more? [tigerpaws]
[ In reply to ]
Believe it was also a special commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the French Revolution
Jason
Dig It Triathlon and Multisport
http://www.digittri.com
Jason
Dig It Triathlon and Multisport
http://www.digittri.com
It would be boring for the masses.