bjorn wrote:
> On Feb 20, 9:33 am, Dan Connelly <d_j_c_o_n_n_e_l@y_a_h_o_o_._c_o_m>
> wrote:
>> Scott wrote:
>>> Frankly, I think they should've either 1) neutralized the finishing
>>> laps before the start of the stage and taken everyone's time coming
>>> into the first circuit, or 2) given everyone their true elapsed
>>> time. The crash was clearly well outside the 3k buffer zone.
>> Agreed:
>>
>> Either:
>> 1. the finish was an extraordinary crash risk, and it should have been neutralized before the race.
>> 2. the finish is relatively safe, and the crash was consistent with the 3km rule, which was set at
>> 3km, and not 10km, based on rational reasoning.
>>
>> There was no unforseeable risk, as the weather conditions were perfect.
>>
>> (1), certainly the following finishing circuits should be neutralized. I believe every mass-start point-to-point stage has them.
>
>
>>From what I heard the crash happened because of the center line
> reflectors. I guess those aren't common in Europe - been here too long
> so I don't even remember... (and I certainly never liked them in
> crits...)
>
> Levi did say sth like "they would never put such a finish in a Euro
> race. I disagree with that, it already was pointed out that the
> roundabouts in France are dangerous and mass crashes in the last km
> aren't unheard of.
>
> I do think the rule was altered so that everyone in Levi's group got
> the same time. So people like Ciolek, who crashed at the same time,
> but came in later did not receive the same time (although somebody
> suggested that Ciolek actually caused the crash, in which case maybe
> he was just punished for that 
>
> bjorn
>
From the velonews live update for today's stage:
quote:
"10:42 AM Yesterday's ruling
By now you know about the crash that happened about 9km from the
finish yesterday. It took down about half the field, including race
leader Levi Leipheimer, who ultimately lost about 40 seconds to the
stage winners.
Upon review, race officils declared that the finishing circuit in
Santa Rosa would be treated as neutral, giving everyone in the field the
time (as far as the GC is concerned) they had as the first crossed into
town, but before the three trips around the 4.7km circuit. The result is
that Leipheimer keeps the jersey. Had the usual 3km cut-off applied,
today's leader would be Ben Jacques-Maynes (Priority Health)."
/quote
Seems pretty clear. If you were behind as the leaders crossed into
town, your time reflected that.
But this still doesn't reflect Ciolek's time at 523 sec's back. Weird.
-Kieran
