Niner Posted November 28, 2011 Posted November 28, 2011 Certain teams requested to be allowed to grab musettes. The support crew stands at the side of the road and riders pretty much stop but don't dismount, and grab a bag for them and a teammate. I don't think the social teams would be interested in this type of thing. In fact having ridden on pretty social teams for 3 years, and even one not so social team, we opted not to go for musettes. I think Velouria is spot on - have a marshal for each of the teams deemed to be in contention for the overall and make sure the rules are enforced. This business of other teams feeling they need to enforce the rules by protesting results is making big *** for an otherwise unique and well-organised event. Respect to the organisers for what they have achieved, but lets iron out the skid marks in the shammy before next year. Why does the rules not state this then? That you are allowed to do this?
Niner Posted November 28, 2011 Posted November 28, 2011 Apparently this rule is just a guideline for teams that are not good enough to hang onto their bike while being handed a feed bag. Anyone else who think they are perfectly capable may skip this one... It is always interesting to read the RULES....then on the road you see something, report it only to be told...."that is ok for them" what next? How many other rules do the top teams disregard? Littering also by the looks of things?
Lucky Luke. Posted November 28, 2011 Posted November 28, 2011 Why does the rules not state this then? That you are allowed to do this? I don't know, maybe the rules need to be amended. Musettes are allowed and use thereof is discussed between the organisers and team management. Not my department so can't help you with that one.
Velouria Posted November 28, 2011 Posted November 28, 2011 Why does the rules not state this then? That you are allowed to do this?Trust me - grabbing a musette is not as easy as the pro's at the TDF make it look. While I haven't heard of any serious injuries (I saw one guy with his arm in a sling and nasty roasties) from this weekend, it would have been carnage if the less experienced teams were given the option of feeding from a musette. We weren't even that brave. Rather have a blanket rule and make a few exceptions for the top teams. As it is, there is no love lost between the top teams, and so any slight infringement is likely to bring about a protest. I doubt however that any of these perceived infringements really altered the overall outcome of the race.
Niner Posted November 28, 2011 Posted November 28, 2011 Trust me - grabbing a musette is not as easy as the pro's at the TDF make it look. While I haven't heard of any serious injuries (I saw one guy with his arm in a sling and nasty roasties) from this weekend, it would have been carnage if the less experienced teams were given the option of feeding from a musette. We weren't even that brave. Rather have a blanket rule and make a few exceptions for the top teams. As it is, there is no love lost between the top teams, and so any slight infringement is likely to bring about a protest. I doubt however that any of these perceived infringements really altered the overall outcome of the race.Why? Who says that they TOP teams can do it? It is not something you / they do often? What makes them a better bag catcher than the next person? Just because they ride faster for longer does not mean that they can catch a bag.
Let's Ride Posted November 28, 2011 Posted November 28, 2011 (edited) '2.8 Feeding of riders MUST take place in front of their stationary team vehicle, which have to be parked completely of the road. No riders are allowed to have any assistance whatsoever, while still on the road.' If teams did feed on the go then they should be disqualified. Rules are rules. Edited November 28, 2011 by Alpina
Slowbee Posted November 28, 2011 Posted November 28, 2011 Geez guys, why are you all so worried about the application of the rules ? Especially it seems one rule regarding the feed zones. So all the quoting of one rule means you didnt break any of the others. If it was agreed that some teams could ride without stopping then whats wrong with that ?
Niner Posted November 28, 2011 Posted November 28, 2011 '2.8 Feeding of riders MUST take place in front of their stationary team vehicle, which have to be parked completely of the road. No riders are allowed to have any assistance whatsoever, while still on the road.' If teams did feed on the go then they should be disqualified. Rules are rules.That is what I say, but apparently it you are a TOP team you get to choose which rules you want to listen to.
Niner Posted November 28, 2011 Posted November 28, 2011 Geez guys, why are you all so worried about the application of the rules ? Especially it seems one rule regarding the feed zones. So all the quoting of one rule means you didnt break any of the others. If it was agreed that some teams could ride without stopping then whats wrong with that ?then the rules should state that there can be an exception.....why hide this from othere teams who might also want to use this method?
Slowbee Posted November 28, 2011 Posted November 28, 2011 then the rules should state that there can be an exception.....why hide this from othere teams who might also want to use this method? in reading through the comments it was made clear that you could ask the organisers permission for exception on this rule.
Let's Ride Posted November 28, 2011 Posted November 28, 2011 Well then why not adjust the rules? Much easier. Anyways, I had a great day and the event was awesome.
Guttergoat Posted November 28, 2011 Posted November 28, 2011 then the rules should state that there can be an exception.....why hide this from othere teams who might also want to use this method? Maybe because they know every second team will try it then.... Some off the guys can’t even hold their line with both hands on the bars.... If every second team try it, there will not be enough ambulances on the route for all the broken bodies
Niner Posted November 28, 2011 Posted November 28, 2011 in reading through the comments it was made clear that you could ask the organisers permission for exception on this rule.But it is not in the rules....so how does a new team know about this?
Guttergoat Posted November 28, 2011 Posted November 28, 2011 But it is not in the rules....so how does a new team know about this? You learn from the previous years..... Last year a lot of guys used it, this year we phoned them to ask and they said yes. Next year you phone them, and then they will give you permission
Niner Posted November 28, 2011 Posted November 28, 2011 Maybe because they know every second team will try it then.... Some off the guys can’t even hold their line with both hands on the bars.... If every second team try it, there will not be enough ambulances on the route for all the broken bodiesLike I said, how do you decide who can do it and who not?
Eugene Oppelt Posted November 28, 2011 Posted November 28, 2011 (edited) I've never DCed.Still dream about it.I have huge respect for those who do go on this adventure. What I know is that the legacy and spirit of the event is about 'teamwork', 'support'The quest for a step on the podium is a different spirit altogether. Seems like the organisers are not quite fully prepared for this emerging competitive spirit.They better get ready as this is the 2nd year of some form of controversy or doubt or something not lekka at the finish line. Well done, brave riders, each & every one of you who finished. Edited November 28, 2011 by ' Dale
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