>Thanks, frank for that insight. The sports stations I listen to don't go much in for cycling so that is knowledge I wouldn't have heard otherwise.
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>On to another question that I have that maybe you or Al can answer since you seem to be cycling enthusiasts.
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>What is the deal with time in races like the TdF? How can any time be accurate if they don't take individual stock? I know it would next to impossible but just because you finish in the same pack as someone, doesn't mean you had the same time for a given stage. Some of the packs are huge (over a 100 riderrs) and the last man finishes with the same time as the first. At least that is the impression I got.
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>It is only in the individual time trials or the mountains where you can truly distinguish yourself from every one else.

Breakaway riders and groups can escape the peloton (main group). Additionally, any break in the peloton sets a new time. At the end of a race on the flat, a team moves it's sprinters up to the front and they jockey for position with other teammates blocking rivals. The sprint for the finish usually fractures the peloton to break up the times.