Stage 17, a group of 33 riders take a near 20-minute breakaway to the finish. Can someone explain why a GC contender, or a guy that's 6, 8, 10, 12 minutes off the lead doesn't sneak into that break and take yellow?
33 riders is 20% of the field, and yet not one rider with a shot to take over the yellow was able to get in that break? Is there some sort of unwritten rule/gentleman's agreement that the GC will only be contested on certain stages? Because it certainly seems that way.
Imagine the excitement if a rider got up the road and stunned the field on a stage like today. But that doesn't happen....ever.