Stage win or yellow jersey for a day?

Well, if one of the days one is in yellow is a stage ending in Paris, then the answer is clear. :p :p :p

IMO yellow jersey.

I'd say a stage win. More folks will remember that in the long run than just having yellow for a day in the middle of the tour.

L

Durangodave said:

What's better, in terms of prestige: a stage win OR getting to wear the Maillot Jaune for a day or two?
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Stage win.

Probably a stage win, but that depends on lotsa stuff. Periero got a 29 minute gift of a yellow jersey. Riders get stage victory gifts occassionally. In terms of prestige, I don't see how any of them are of any value if they're gifted. But I'm sure Oscar is happy as hell right now. Jens too. I'd rather be in Jens' shoes.

I'd say stage win, there are many factors involved in gaining the yellow Jersey, but winning the stage is an individual thing. Unless of course your wearing the yellow jersey at the end

Scotttri said:

I'd say stage win, there are many factors involved in gaining the yellow Jersey, but winning the stage is an individual thing. Unless of course your wearing the yellow jersey at the end

That depends if you are Boonen or not 🙂

He'd trade the yellow Jersey for a decent win on Robbie in a sprint any day.

I'm not sure he wouldn't trade a podium place for that at the moment, not that it's a possibility.

I agree Boonens been...hmmm how would you say it " weighed, measured and outmatched" by Robbie this year.

I tend to agree that a stage win is the bigger prize.

I asked because we've seen a couple situations where two riders approach the finish, with one in position to take yellow. It makes me wonder what sort of deal making goes on: "I'll work all-out for your gap on the peleton, if you let me take the stage."
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I don't know about the yellow jersey for just one day, but Thomas Voekler became a household name after his few days in yellow. That doesn't happen with someone who "only' gets a stage win.

spacelord said:

I don't know about the yellow jersey for just one day, but Thomas Voekler became a household name after his few days in yellow. That doesn't happen with someone who "only' gets a stage win.

That was 9 (or 10?) days in yellow though.

I'd go for a stage over one day in yellow but am starting to think that maybe I won't achieve either.

spacelord said:

I don't know about the yellow jersey for just one day, but Thomas Voekler became a household name after his few days in yellow. That doesn't happen with someone who "only' gets a stage win.

I think it might depend on how one person thinks. SOmeone who likes to be in a record book, would take the stage win, but if you like to have something to display to anyone that comes over to your house, what be better then showing them an authentic Yellow Jersey that you wore in the Biggest Cycling Event on your very own body?

My personal opinion, I would take the yellow jersey

spacelord said:

I don't know about the yellow jersey for just one day, but Thomas Voekler became a household name after his few days in yellow. That doesn't happen with someone who "only' gets a stage win.

I think Voelker became well known for his "struggle" in keeping the jersey , more then just simply wearing the jersey. His time in the jersey was fun.

wolfix said:

I think Voelker became well known for his "struggle" in keeping the jersey , more then just simply wearing the jersey. His time in the jersey was fun.

Very true. I think he actually wore it for a week and a half, and him getting the jersey was not as exciting as the daily soap opera of watching him try to keep it. His heroics at the top of Plateau de Beille where he managed to drag himself up to save 22 seconds of his lead was as much fun to watch as any single-day TdF performance over the last few years. I think that some of the commentators are correct in suggested he gets far too much "face time" on the cameras of French cycling coverage these days, because he's really not more than an ordinary rider. But on the other hand, I can see why so many have a soft spot for a guy who knew that he might never again wear yellow, and so guarded it with such raw determination.

rejobako said:

Very true. I think he actually wore it for a week and a half, and him getting the jersey was not as exciting as the daily soap opera of watching him try to keep it. His heroics at the top of Plateau de Beille where he managed to drag himself up to save 22 seconds of his lead was as much fun to watch as any single-day TdF performance over the last few years. I think that some of the commentators are correct in suggested he gets far too much "face time" on the cameras of French cycling coverage these days, because he's really not more than an ordinary rider. But on the other hand, I can see why so many have a soft spot for a guy who knew that he might never again wear yellow, and so guarded it with such raw determination.

exactly. nice description.

i think i'd like a stage win if it was on a high-profile climb like alpe d'huez. those men are legendary. however, a sprint stage or a breakaway on a flat wouldn't mean nearly as much to me.

cheapie said:

however, a sprint stage or a breakaway on a flat wouldn't mean nearly as much to me.

It would to me. A win is a win.

L

Lonnie Utah said:

It would to me. A win is a win.

L

true. but it's much, MUCH easier for me to remember who won a mtntop finish than a sprint.

Capt.Injury said:

...but if you like to have something to display to anyone that comes over to your house, what be better then showing them an authentic Yellow Jersey that you wore in the Biggest Cycling Event on your very own body?...

Really? You get to KEEP the yellow jersey, even if you only wore it for a day?

Hmmm... I might have to elevate the value of a short spell in yellow.
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Durangodave said:

Really? You get to KEEP the yellow jersey, even if you only wore it for a day?

Hmmm... I might have to elevate the value of a short spell in yellow.
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yep. you get the ceremonial one they give you on the podium, the one you wore during the stage, and mebbe a long-sleeved one as well every day?