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Stage 21
Day 23 Antony Parc de Sceaux - Paris Champs Elysees 152 km
Analysis
Today's Race went some what as expected. There were plenty of
attacks and large breaks trying to get off but the sprinter teams
did quickly get hold of the race and determined that the race would
come down to a sprint finish. Mean while, the title teams worked to
protect their riders who were defending positions being held for the
various titles, especially those who would be on a podium.
As expected, there were no changes in any of the titles because, as
I told you, they had all been decided, even the top three placings
for each title.
As I told you, the stage was ridden as a single stage road race
following the traditional parade towards the Champs-Elysees. The
attacking started a little later than normal not permitting the
breaks enough time to develop any kind of distance on the peloton
and making it easier for the sprinter teams to gain control of the
race.
Also, the riders attacking and counter attacking, because they all
wanted to be in the winning break, worked against each other. This
helped the sprinter teams gain control of the peloton.
In the final few laps, the sprinter teams did everything right to
control the leadout and prevent the incessant attacking towards the
end. Then about three or for teams did a drag race to the line with
Hushovd beating out McEwen in the last 500 meters. Hushovd knew he
had to start his sprint early because McEwen is faster over the last
200 meters and it worked.
This was a lesson in using your strengths against their weaknesses
instead of permitting them to use their strengths against your
weaknesses. It works.
Tomorrow
I will be providing a post Tour analysis, pre Tour analysis for
2006, and coach's performance analysis tomorrow. I am still
putting it together in my head.
