Why Columbia didn't chase the break for Cavendish on stage 12

Columbia HTC, Tour de France 2009, stage 3

published 16 July 2009

Team Columbia-HTC surprised some of their rivals by refusing to lead the chase on stage 12. Mark Cavendish missed out on a fifth stage win in this year's Tour de France but the Columbia management is convinced that the played the right strategy.

Listening to team manager Rolf Aldag and team owner Bob Stapleton, it is clear the team is playing a tactically smart three-week game plan, that is built on Cavendish's four stage wins, on wisely using the strengths of team mates when it is only really worth it, while also putting their main rival in the points competition - Thor Hushovd - under as much pressure as possible.

“Personally I think yesterday's finish gave Mark an extra advantage. Now they (Cervelo) have to take points from him. They'll have a difficult time because they have to balance working for Sastre and Thor. They said they'd ride for Thor this week but they're challenged about their resources. He's the biggest competition here for us but any team with yellow jersey ambitions is going to be challenged if they want to ride for both of them. It's going to be a tough for call for them.”

“For example the first sprint on the stage to Colmar will be important but you've got to judge it right. We've got a chance but it might be too difficult for us. The sprint is half way up the first climb and so if you go all out for it, you've got to make sure you're okay on the climb and the rest of the stage. Thor could win it but he's got to do that every day now and he still might not gain the points.”

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Why Columbia didn't chase the break for Cavendish on stage 12

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