01 July 2013

Gerrans just edges Sagan!

A thrilling finish to today's Tour de France action saw Australia's Simon Gerrans sprint across the finish line a split second before Peter Sagan of Slovakia.  The decision to begin the 100th Tour de France with three stages in Corsica was phenomenal!  The first three stages were thrilling, to say the least.  Below is how our prediction fared against today's result.
  • Stage 3:  3h 41' 24" (actual), 3h 44' 26" (prediction), 03' 02" slow (1.37% error)
We are pleased with our prediction!  As I wrote yesterday, "I won't be surprised if tomorrow's winner edges our time once again."  The athletes are impressing us this year!  Seeing the Tour de France unfold gives us the opportunity to appreciate how months of training and new technologies employed in equipment pay off.

Below is Gerrans's average speed for today.
  • Stage 3:  10.95 m/s (39.43 kph or 24.50 mph)
Despite his 19th place finish today, Jan Bakelants retains the coveted yellow jersey with a one-second lead over Julien Simon of France.  Gerrans's big win today gets him classified third overall.

The Tour de France leaves beautiful Corsica and heads to France tomorrow.  Stage 4 is a team time trial in the southeastern city of Nice.  At just 25 km (15.5 mi) in length, expect riders to go all out!  The trip through Nice is almost entirely flat.  Below is our prediction.
  • Stage 4:  0h 27' 33" (prediction)
Don't turn away from tomorrow's action -- it's going to be FAST!

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