What do you think about the Tour de France going free of time bonuses?

Question

What do you think? I see this as horrible as it gives the overall leaders no reason to finish near the front when their is a big pack finish. All they have to do is finish in the pack and recieve the same time as everyone else.

Answer 1

I may be wrong but I thought this was being done on the 1st several stages only to keep the times very tight. I'll check into it and update this if I have the answer.

Answer 2

I'm not sure about the concept yet, but do like the possibility of a rider finishing ahead by 30 sec. and winning by finishing first instead losing over all time because of some time bonus.

You should not lose overall time finishing first due to time bonus'. I also don't like group times, with all the advances in the way you can keep score this needs to go away.    

For 2008 The Tour will not have any time bonus'. Back in March they released that for '08 the Tour will be timed on "real time", with this being used the first rider will have the best (shortest) time.

LeTour published this back in March, "The Tour enters the era of real time. This year, the Tour de France will not start with a time-trial. Moreover, the time bonuses disappear from the 2008 edition: no time bonuses when crossing the finish line of the 21 stages or for the intermediate sprints. As a consequence, the first rider who crosses the finish line and wins the first stage in Plumelec will wear the yellow jersey on the next day!".

Answer 3

I see your point, but you also have to factor in that to GET the lead they must have finished ahead of the people in that group, so maybe if you want to get the lead off someone, you have to attack.