I was flabbergasted . . . I knew they often had to ride down from summit finishes because the team buses wouldn’t fit on top. But somehow I had imagined the road was still closed off they way we see it when they are climbing up during the race.I first heard about the whistles a few years ago on one of Lance's podcasts when he went on one of his trademarked Contador rants... about Contador's pink whistle.
But sure, it's sketchy as hell (remember the Froome incident with the French policeman? i.e. "F*ck you!"). In that video I shared we can even hear Rog saying "maybe I'll walk".
Thinking about other sports, it’s hard to imagine the superstars having to do anything so dangerous and vulnerable after they’ve finished their events/races. I think it shows pro cyclists are a different breed, because they are also cyclists, and like all of us who get used to dangers and inconveniences in a daily basis.