Dave Zabriskie...going for last in TdF?

Triathlon Forum
1

I know Dave Zabriskie’s job is to win time trials and pull along the peloton on the flat stages for his team, but each day he seems to be gunning for a last place finish. I guess it’s a combination of him going all out early on and not being able to stick with the faster pace over the last few kilometers and that he’s prone to end up on his butt at any given moment and his team director probably told him to get as far away from other riders at the end of each stage.

Doesn’t the last place rider get some sort of recognition? For some reason I remember a commentator talking about two guy fighting it out for last, all while trying to stay within the time limit.

Adam

2

Now the last place cyclist is then given a RED jersey and is referred to as the “Red Lantern.” It reminds me of the red caboose on a train. The red jersey, however, is no longer given out. It was abolished in 1989.

3

Here’s your answer… :slight_smile:

http://www.velonews.com/vntv/?Art_ID=1088

4

Why would he ride hard in order to get 72nd or 41st place? His teammate has the Yellow Jersey on, and he has another teammate who is an overall threat. As long as he doesn’t eliminate himself by finishing too far back, then he is riding smart. Don’t forget that cycling is a team sport.