msw@drux3.UUCP (Mike Walpole) (07/27/85)
> Does anyone out there have an opinion on the following: > What was Greg's understanding with La Vie Claire > during the last stages of the Tour De France - > why did he feel obligated to work for Bernard > on the last climb and then cry about it on t.v.? > What reason could his manager have given him > to hold back? If Greg went into first place > dropping Roche, La Vie Claire still had a winner. > I am not so naive to misunderstand the chauvanism > of the French, but was Greg? Cycling at the top levels of amatuer and professional racing is a team sport. Hinault had a 4 minute lead on Roche in 3rd. Even though Lemond was in 2nd, since Lemond was Hinault's teammate he had to protect Hinault's lead. If Lemond had went up the road he may not have dropped Roche. If that had happened Lemond may well have had the lead. However, his lead over Roche would have been 1.5-2 minutes. Hinault would have slipped to 3rd or 4th place. The advantage La Vie Claire (Lemond and Hinault's team) had by holding the first two places was tremendous and they would have lost that advantage if Lemond had attacked and went up the road. (Think about it, if your team is in first and second and one of the riders has a mishap, your still in first. If your in 1st and 4th and 1st place crashes your in 3rd.) If Greg stays healthy next year will be his year. Hinault has said that he would suffer for Greg the way that Greg suffered for him this year. It is doubtful that Hinault will try for his 6th Tour win as it really would not prove anything. I am looking forward to seeing these racers at this years Coors Classic. Mike Walpole