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Competitive element of Tour de France final stage removed after rain / Photo: © AFP
Competitive element of Tour de France final stage removed after rain
Tour de France organisers decided to 'neutralise' the race on its final stage on Sunday because of fears riders would be at risk on the rain-slicked cobbles of Montmartre.
The decision to freeze the times with about 50 kilometres left to go takes away the competitive element of the final stage.
The route takes in three circuits around the Sacre Coeur basilica for the first time this year after organisers introduced the change following the success of the road races at last year's Paris Olympics, which were attended by huge crowds.
But as tens of thousands of people gathered at the tourist hotspot this year to watch the stage, light rain began to fall around 90 minutes before the riders were due to arrive and organisers decided to 'neutralise' the times.
Organisers hoped to introduce an element of risk by including the three circuits around the tight bends and cobbled streets of Montmartre.
"Due to slippery roads on shady spots in Montmartre, it has been decided, in accordance with the commissaires of the UCI and representatives of teams and riders, to stop the time at the 4th passage on the finish line - i.e. before the three laps featuring the Cote de la Butte Montmartre," organisers said.
As a result, the overall standings will remain unchanged, meaning Tadej Pogacar remains in the lead.
However, the Slovenian will still need to cross the finish line on the Champs-Elysees avenue to be declared winner of the race.
N. Lebedew--BTZ
