[grey_whiskers]

Hey, luv, could you do a favor for us purely recreational cyclist types?

I don't understand how a team must "ride till they pass out" in order to defend one of its members who has the yellow jersey...

I thought the maillot jaune was based on each individual's time; so I am having difficulty following this. How would it help Landis if his team keeps up with another team on a breakaway, when they all are staying ahead of Landis?

Or is it that they pull "in the front of the line" while Landis rides behind them, keeping his time better and his legs moderately fresh?

Would you be willing to explain in more detail, please?

Cheers!

[PeteB570]

Each "group" is given the same time.

Look at the finish times and each group will have the same time.

The main group could be strung out for 500 meters but so long as there is no break in the line they would all get the same time.

Thats why the "who is in the breakaway" is so important. If 10 guys get away who are 20-30 minutes down on GC time there is no good reason for the leaders team to drag the rest of the peleton up to catch them.

[RichardW]

"I thought the maillot jaune was based on each individual's time; so I am having difficulty following this. How would it help Landis if his team keeps up with another team on a breakaway, when they all are staying ahead of Landis?"

Because he is only expending about 70% of the effort when in a group. Sometimes they are just coasting. Like getting behind a tractor trailer on the highway or like the Nextel guys do. They draft which is why it is important for the leading rider to be protected and assisted by his domestiques.

That's how these pelotons can pull back a breakaway group even when they are up to 10 minutes ahead. An stage 13 they didn't even try because it was Landis's decision to give up the yellow jersey so they wouldn't have to do all the grunt work.