OK. Here's something else I want your opinion on- the advantage to riders in a pace line is obvious and well understood. When the stages are high mountain, though, what advantage is is to have your teammates with you except for morale? You can send them to the front to set a blistering pace a la Astana today to keep other teams from attacking you but you (AC) still have to ride at that pace, too. Why would you be any better positioned to attack your rivals if you have been riding just as hard as they have? I remember Lance complaining after a stage a few years ago b/c his domestique was riding too fast and Lance himself was having trouble keeping up.
Of course, having teammates with you is a morale booster but turning the pedals is the same regardless. They might be there for a bike change if the worst happened but if everyone stays upright, what is the advantage?
Tour de France 2010Stage 15 - Pamiers > > > Bagnères-de-Luchon - 187.5 km
Monday, July 19, 2010
Route
Profile of the Stage
Profile of Last Kilometers
Mountain Passes & Hills
•Km 30.0 - Côte de Carla-Bayle - 3.1 km climb to 4.1 % - Category 4
•Km 105.0 - Col de Portet-d'Aspet - 5.8 km climb to 6.8 % - Category 2
•Km 126.5 - Col des Ares - 6.1 km climb to 4.7 % - Category 2
•Km 166.0 - Port de Balès - 19.3 km climb to 6.1 % - Category HC
(Graphics - letour.com)