ST. ETIENNE, France -- It's bicycle racing's version of a big brother watching over his younger sibling to make sure the bullies in the neighborhood aren't too vicious.
But in the 84th Tour de France, the "brothers" are teammates of different nationalities. And in the mountains of France and Switzerland, and considering the sport's intricate rules, sometimes the roles and responsibilities change.
Bjarne
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| Bjarne Riis (left) of Denmark talks with teammate Jan Ullrich as they ride together during this year's Tour de France. (Reuters) |
Ullrich, increasing his claim as the rider to beat, dominated the hilly and rainy 55-kilometer individual time trial Friday, winning by more than three minutes and extending his lead to 5 minutes and 42 seconds over Richard Virenque, the host country's best hope for a title. Riis, who was nearly passed at the finish line by Virenque, is 8:01 behind and in fourth -- one second behind Spaniard Abraham Olano.
THE SPORT'S CONVENTIONAL WISDOM NOW dictates that Riis' one-year reign as king of the Tour de France is over. He will spend the remaining nine days of the race riding to protect his teammate's margin.
The riders' roles have so drastically reversed, their team manager has decreed: "Riis was the king and Ullrich was the little prince. But now the little prince is the king."
Riis, who finished third in the stage, has conceded victory, too.
"I will not attack against my teammate," said Riis. "We are winning the race together."
Cycling is singular in this regard. When a team leader is chosen, no questions are asked -- even if it means a champion doesn't keep his throne.
The Ullrich/Riis scenario is reminiscent of Greg LeMond's less-than-cordial battle with teammate Bernard Hinault in 1985. LeMond was capable of defeating the Tour de France champion in his fifth and final triumph. But despite a broken nose, Hinault was the team leader, and LeMond was told he would have his turn another year. Hinault went on to victory, and one year later LeMond captured the first of his three titles.
BUT IN THE INSTANCE OF Ullrich and Riis, the stronger of the two teammates has emerged much earlier in the race than was the case in the LeMond-Hinault scenario and there is no doubt whose race it is to win.
Still, there is always some degree of uncertainty. The most famous stage of the tour -- the strenuous climb to Le Alpe d'Huez -- awaits Saturday. Ullrich, Virenque, Olano and Riis are among the sport's best climbers. But barring a crash or something else unknown, Ullrich's pursuers will try in vain to narrow their deficit.
If, for example, Virenque, the diminutive Frenchman, tries to break away from the field, it will be Riis' responsibility to counterattack.
But in the sport's complex ways, Riis also could jump to the front, forcing any would-be crown pursers to counterattack while Ullrich conserves his energy for future days as the end of road in Paris draws nearer.
But even if Virenque or another strong climber, like Italian Marco Pantani, cuts into Ullrich's margin, the race leader will likely showcase his vast talents July 26 in an individual time trial ending in EuroDisney in Paris.
Riis, meanwhile, seems to relish his new role, despite losing his crown. When the riders warm up near stage starts, Riis leads Ullrich around and offers encouragement. If the press gets too close or asks questions too pointed, Riis guides his young friend away from the confrontation.
But the race still has to be ridden. A good share of strenuous mountains, a good share of strategic pedaling and many miles remain -- which, of course, is why it's the Tour de France.
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