I most definitely don't want the last rider thrown out. He's still a better rider than all those millions who didn't make the team. I want him celebrated, as a race with a much better attitude, the sled dog race in Alaska, does. Pointedly, a lady who climbed Everest collected the Red Lantern at the Iditarod, and was widely celebrated for it. Somebody has to be last, so why not celebrate that too, and make the point that it is the toughest cycle race in the world when such a hard man can come only last?
I was horrified by your story, Léo, of the unimaginative mismanagement of a huge promotional opportunity by the organizers of the race, and the cycling authorities in general, of whom I've long had a less than flattering opinion.
On the other hand, I loved the strategic move of taking the taxi voluntarily to force an opposition rider out with you!
