Attacking During a Mechanical

[flymango]

Please enlighten me.

 

I read that Christoph Sauser criticised Multivan Merida for attacking them during their mechanical on the final day of the Cape Epic. In the end it made no difference to the end result.

 

And I recall the controversy when Contador attacked Andy Schleck during last year's TdF whilst ascending the Pyrenees. In this instance it can be argued that Contador won the TdF at that moment.

 

Is the controversy because of the etiquette which calls for respect for the yellow jersey if the jersey holder is involved in an incident/mechanical? What's the logic behind this etiquette? Is this fair to the rest of the field or those in contention chasing the lead?

 

Surely mechanical reliability is an intrinsic part of the sport, whether road or MTB?

 

To be sure, I don't have an opinion but merely wish to understand the reasoning.

[intern]

Sorry I thought this thread was advice to potential bike jackers. It's considered bad manners, remember the fanny wobble Andy Schleck had in last year's dope marathon tour de france when Albuto Clentador attacked after his chain came off. I mean, pump your veins full of processed cow blood, sure, but DO NOT attack when another man's dangly bit is off the spiky thing.

[Paulst12]

The issue arises in the fact that they attacked the yellow jersey on a day that is regarded as the "winners day". It is common etiquette that no-one attacks the leaders jersey on the final day of any tour, and if you are going for the win, this is really only done in the final km's. Basically the race is run upto the second last day, and the final day is a celebratory ride in recognition of the hard work put in by the leaders.

Edited April 4, 2011 by Paulst12

[kosmonooit]

Earlier in the week (I think on Stge 2 or 2) someone attacked during a feeding station stop as well (think it was aforementioned?>

[Slowbee]

The issue arises in the fact that they attacked the yellow jersey on a day that is regarded as the "winners day". It is common etiquette that no-one attacks the leaders jersey on the final day of any tour, and if you are going for the win, this is really only done in the final km's. Basically the race is run upto the second last day, and the final day is a celebratory ride in recognition of the hard work put in by the leaders.

 

 

oh my google, another roadie tradition taken over by mtn bikers

[Top Fuel]

Earlier in the week (I think on Stge 2 or 2) someone attacked during a feeding station stop as well (think it was aforementioned?>

If you watch it on tv Karl Platt shouts at the guys attacking. He made it his business to catch them and see how strong they really were. They were relatively far behind 36ONE at that time so good on him. I think it speaks volumes about his character.

[scotty]

I was not much a Bulls fan at the start of the Epic but Platt and Sahm really showed guts and class.

[rouxtjie]

I was not much a Bulls fan at the start of the Epic but Platt and Sahm really showed guts and class.

Yip, especially in the post race interviews...question to them "so what happened?"

 

Response: "We came under-prepared"...plain and simple no excuses, nada. Respect

[Eddy Gordo]

oh my google, another roadie tradition taken over by mtn bikers

 

that cause they are not real mountain bikers

[Kranswurm]

oh my google, another roadie tradition taken over by mtn bikers

 

I know ....its pathetic

 

The last day is a race day and thats it.

As far as waiting I have never heard anything more ridiculous.

[scotty]

Yip, especially in the post race interviews...question to them "so what happened?"

 

Response: "We came under-prepared"...plain and simple no excuses, nada. Respect

Yip, and both said they will be back next year.

[AndreZA]

The issue arises in the fact that they attacked the yellow jersey on a day that is regarded as the "winners day". It is common etiquette that no-one attacks the leaders jersey on the final day of any tour, and if you are going for the win, this is really only done in the final km's. Basically the race is run upto the second last day, and the final day is a celebratory ride in recognition of the hard work put in by the leaders.

 

That is only in the case of the TdF untill they get to the Champs-Élysées which is another 40km or so till the race finishes.

[rouxtjie]

That is only in the case of the TdF untill they get to the Champs-Élysées which is another 40km or so till the race finishes.

Yes tis true, I got the feeling that it was a race until the end on Sunday and if anyone had the chance to drop songo in the GC they would have...

[Weight Weenie]

Yeah Platos was not happy and shouted at the guys, cant remember the team, will go look at the pvr footage

[raptor]

This is so stupid , if you have a problem as a pro y must the rest stop racing, it is a race afteralll not a fun ride, its only over once you cross the line.

[singletrek]

Yes tis true, I got the feeling that it was a race until the end on Sunday and if anyone had the chance to drop songo in the GC they would have...

Absolutely