Why is the last stage of the Tour de France just a ceremony when there's only seconds between No. 1 and No. 2?

Question

Seems like the second-place guy should try to win, if it's a legitimate stage. Otherwise, just call the next-to-last stage the last stage and make the Champs-Elysee a non-competitive victory lap.

Answer 1

if there were time bonuses offered in this years TdF, then 2d could conceivably rally to win the overall GC. however, since time bonuses aren't being offered, the main group gets the same time at finish (as for all stages). so if the whole feild stays together, they all get the same time, so 2d place can't overtake 1st. a few years back Vinokourov did take advantage of time bonuses on the Champs Elysees to knock Leipheimer off the podium..

Answer 2

because

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Answer 3

If the race was only a few seconds difference, stage 21 would probably be contested, especially in previous years when the first 3 over the line got bonus time.

Being even 30 sec. behind would be almost impossible to overcome on a flat stage. Yellow jersey would only ride the wheel of any body close who might try to attack.