Mark Cavendish of Britain crosses the finish line to win the fifth stage of
the Tour de France cycling race over 187.5 kilometers (116.5 miles) with start
in Epernay and finish in Montargis, eastern France, Thursday, July 8, 2010.
ahead of Gerard Ciolek of Germany, left and second place, and Robbie
Mc Ewen of Australia, wearing the best sprinter's green jersey.
(AP Photo/Bas Czerwinski)
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The quest for the maillot jaune continued, today, from Champagne's Épernay to Montargis, known as the "Venice of the Gâtinais" for its numerous canals and bridges.
Team HTC-Columbia's Mark Cavendish bolstered his confidence with today's stage win despite problems that required an adjustment to his shoes earlier in the race. The Garmin-Transitions team was setting Tyler Farrar up for the win on the narrow road when Mark Cavendish snuck in for the win. "The guys did a great job," Farrar commented. "I just didn't have enough to seal the deal, but they certainly did it perfectly."
"Everything is good except for his wrist," said Matt White, Sports Director for Garmin-Transitions, about Tyler Farrar. "His condition is good. Everything is good, but he can't really put a lot of pressure on his wrist. He is still here. He is still in the game. Before Paris, we'll win something with him."
Farrar's presence was most certainly felt in the race when he launched himself into the final sprint. "I wasn't that great today, " said Farrar. "In the end, in the sprint, I made some mistakes–came on the wrong side of Julian–my own fault. [My wrist is] getting better. Once the adrenaline of the finish comes, you don't really feel it much." Farrar finished 10th in today's race.
Lance Armstrong seemed to hold back to let the main group pull him along. Armstrong's focus is on the yellow jersey, so finishing with the lead group is all he needs to do to keep from losing precious time. Armstrong may use the same tactic through stage 6 in an effort save his energy for stage seven when the course becomes more mountainous. Stage seven may possibly spread out the competition and introduce a new leader in the Tour de France.
Sprinter Mark Cavendish of Britain signs autographs prior to the start of the
first stage of the Tour de France cycling race over 223,5 kilometers (139
miles) with start in Rotterdam, Netherlands and finish in Brussels, Belgium,
Sunday July 4, 2010. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
The importance of team racing
"They can't leave you," Frank Schleck told Versus regarding the yellow jersey rider. "You always need one or two around you."
Solo riding is always challenging. Even when there is no breeze, the rider faces increasing air resistance with increasing speed. Following in another rider's slipstream can cut the rider's energy output by 40 to 60%.
Team members work together to give each other rest opportunities by drafting. The idea is to give the head rider a chance to recuperate prior to making big climbs, hard sprints, or that winning breakaway.
Tour de France coverage
Catch tomorrow's coverage of the "Tour de France: Stage 6" on Versus, channel 603 on DirecTV or 151 on Dish Network. Check your local cable channel guides for Charter Cable, Comcast, and Time Warner Cable.
⇐ Tour de France was smooth sailing from Cambrai to Reims
Michigan cyclist's guide to the 2010 Tour de France
Another exciting win for Cavendish in stage six of the Tour de France from Montargis to Gueugnon ⇒
Sources
"Tour de France: Stage 5." Versus. 8 July 2010
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