Is it Like Getting a “D” in Physics?
Finishing last in the Tour-de-France isn’t easy.
Mr. Vansevenant, who after Stage 18 sits in 150th place, some 3 hours and 45 minutes behind Mr. Sastre, is indeed the worst-placed rider in the Tour de France. But, in turn, he has outlasted those who abandoned the Tour through illness, injury or simple exhaustion; those who were eliminated for failing to finish within each day’s time limit and are forced to withdraw; and those who were banned or withdrew for doping-related causes. From year to year, about 20% of the riders drop out. In other words, you can’t simply coast to last place; you have to work for it.
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Comments
Comment from Uncle Al
Time: July 31, 2008, 12:27 pm
you can’t simply coast to last place; you have to work for it: string theory, SUSY, Higgs.
Comment from Erika Amir
Time: August 1, 2008, 11:54 am
It’s the same with hiking/backpacking. If you finish last, at least you have still finished. And there is something to be said for that.
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Comment from Ian Durham
Time: July 31, 2008, 11:28 am
I’d say that’s a good analogy - and one my students might not always appreciate. They don’t seem to understand that a C does not necessarily indicate they slacked off.