Page 2 - Black jersey comes back to Giro!

15-01.-2008, 05:05 AM

#16

earth_dweller

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Join Date: Jul 2006

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Re: Black jersey comes back to Giro!

Quote:

Originally Posted by helmutRoole2

It adds quite a bit to the race. It illustrates how hard GTs are. The guy in last is the winner of the competition, but he can lose the jersey by missing the time cut or if someone slips below him. So, it becomes this calculated thing where you're trying to finish as far back as possible while still making the time cut.

That is, if you want to stay in the jersey. Seems like any jersey would generate publicity. You know people would be rooting for the guy in the black jersey.

I've read stories of guys fighting for the Lanterne Rouge in the Tour de France where they would just stop before the finish line to make sure they kept the honor of being last and still in the race.

I think it adds a touch of levity to a grueling 3 weeks for the riders at the bottom of the standings. Also they are working their asses off for their team, often at the beginning of the stages so rarely seen on TV, so this gives them a chance to get some publicity. It's a good thing.

15-01.-2008, 05:27 AM	#17
donrhummy Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 262	Re: Black jersey comes back to Giro! You know it's weird but i can't think of any other sport where i'd be happy/proud to be the last placed guy in a competition. I would actually be proud of myself if I finished last in the TDF or Giro. Just finishing a grand tour is an amazing feat.

15-01.-2008, 06:59 AM	#18
helmutRoole2 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: usa Posts: 1,895	Re: Black jersey comes back to Giro! The thing is, usually, they're not fighting to keep the jersey. But the guy with the jersey is usually struggling, so it's harkens back to the essence of endurance athletics: the struggle. If they've got the jersey, it means they're struggling to stay in the race. __________________ "Bait in 08" --nns1400

15-01.-2008, 09:45 AM

#19

Bro Deal

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Re: Black jersey comes back to Giro!

Quote:

Originally Posted by helmutRoole2

The thing is, usually, they're not fighting to keep the jersey. But the guy with the jersey is usually struggling, so it's harkens back to the essence of endurance athletics: the struggle.

If they've got the jersey, it means they're struggling to stay in the race.

I think that is a good point and the reason they should have the jersey. Suffering and struggle is a part of aerobic endurance sport. The man who is barely hanging in there should be celebrated. The jersey makes it easier for commentators to talk about him.

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15-01.-2008, 09:57 AM

#20

classic1

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Re: Black jersey comes back to Giro!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Powerful Pete

Yup, I believe the last one was awarded in 1979.

A bloke I know rode that Giro. They had a race the day after the official finish called the Epilogue, which was a 400km one day (!!)race from Rome to Milan IIRC. All the big hitters didn't ride but 90% of the field did. This bloke was on a good day and nearly won it, chasing the break and just missing out on catching them in the final to run 10th or thereabouts. He also tells some stories from that Giro about DeVlaeminck and how impressive he was on the bike.

15-01.-2008, 10:11 AM

#21

Crankyfeet

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Join Date: Jun 2007

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Re: Black jersey comes back to Giro!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bro Deal

Which assumes that the person who is in the jersey is struggling...and not just holding back deliberately to get some publicity for his team.

Given the amount of deliberate limping that goes on in stages where a particular domestique is not required...you can't convince me that the jersey holder will be just "hanging on" in the race. More like "hangin on" to the TV camera....

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