Christian Prudhomme says this was he favorite tour. I really believe it was because of how much success the French riders had. Two stage wins and 14 days in yellow for Alaphilippe. Alaphilippe was also named the most aggressive rider even though he never won the award for an individual stage. Bardet won the polka jersey. Pinot stage 14 win was nice but you had 10 riders within a minute of his win.
He made a comparison to the '89 tour but the '89 tour was a true back and forth battle.(Perhaps no coincidence that was the last race a French rider had a shot) Go watch it on youtube it's a much better race than this edition. The jersey changed hands five times between LeMond and Fignon.
This tour was whether or not Alaphilippe would be able to hold on in the high mountains. I really believe if the stages hadn't been shortened JA would have barely been in the top 10. Prudhomme has neutered the race. 8 instead of 9 riders. Limited the TT KMs and no epic climbs were included in this race. The 2020 race will be very similar in make up.
They should add a jersey. Top French rider. Make it red and award it after each stage. 35 years is a long drought and I don't see it ending anytime soon.
He made a comparison to the '89 tour but the '89 tour was a true back and forth battle.(Perhaps no coincidence that was the last race a French rider had a shot) Go watch it on youtube it's a much better race than this edition. The jersey changed hands five times between LeMond and Fignon.
This tour was whether or not Alaphilippe would be able to hold on in the high mountains. I really believe if the stages hadn't been shortened JA would have barely been in the top 10. Prudhomme has neutered the race. 8 instead of 9 riders. Limited the TT KMs and no epic climbs were included in this race. The 2020 race will be very similar in make up.
They should add a jersey. Top French rider. Make it red and award it after each stage. 35 years is a long drought and I don't see it ending anytime soon.