Even halfway the peloton, you can easily get stuck behind a crash, depending on the width of the road, even when you are not involved in the actual crash yourself. You can get caught by splits (not only caused by crashes, but unforseen crosswinds, attacks, unexpected obstacles, unclear roadbook sections...), or get caught by narrowing sections by timing your move to the front wrong, finding yourself without the room to move up, caught with your pants down when in the front a rival attacks...
Halfway stage 3, this won't seem to matter much, because any leader will have plenty of domestiques around, who will likely be able to bridge 30 second gaps. But Those efforts might cost the team later in the same stage or later in the Tour. When going from narrow to wide roads and back, being in the middle of the peloton also involves more "yo-yo'ing" which also can cost energy.
Being on the fourth or fifth row would probably be best of both worlds, but not every GC guy can be in the same spot together with 3 teammates, obviously. Unless you are the race leader, with the strongest team and you're confident you can pull it off for the remainder of the race.
In short, ideally yes, but easier said than done.
Halfway stage 3, this won't seem to matter much, because any leader will have plenty of domestiques around, who will likely be able to bridge 30 second gaps. But Those efforts might cost the team later in the same stage or later in the Tour. When going from narrow to wide roads and back, being in the middle of the peloton also involves more "yo-yo'ing" which also can cost energy.
Being on the fourth or fifth row would probably be best of both worlds, but not every GC guy can be in the same spot together with 3 teammates, obviously. Unless you are the race leader, with the strongest team and you're confident you can pull it off for the remainder of the race.
In short, ideally yes, but easier said than done.