The Tour de France yellow jersey protocol is a 90-minute ordeal, but for Pogacar, it's a strategic move. Despite losing the jersey the next day for three consecutive years, Pogacar's team, UAE Emirates-XRG, made a calculated decision to let the yellow jersey go. This move, according to four-time Tour winner Chris Froome, was to relieve pressure and give the team a break. Froome believes this strategy could pay off in the long run, especially in the third week of the race.
Pogacar himself sees the benefits, mentioning reduced stress and more time for recovery. The post-race routine for the yellow jersey holder is demanding, involving a cool-down, podium presentation, signing jerseys, press interviews, and anti-doping control. This routine disrupts the rider's evening, often making them the last to get to the hotel and the massage table. The team's decision to let go of the jersey eases the pressure on UAE, allowing them to focus on other aspects of the race.
The yellow jersey holder's team is now expected to control the race pace, a role previously held by UAE. The new leaders, Torstein Traeen and his Uno-X Mobility team, are aware of the challenge ahead. Despite being a first-time Tour participant, Traeen's team is determined to hold on to the yellow jersey as long as possible. However, the extra commitments and time-wasting associated with the yellow jersey are a point of contention, with some riders finding it a 'massive waste of time'.
In contrast, the post-race protocol for riders of the past was even more demanding, with journalists bothering them in their hotel rooms. Bernard Thevenet, a two-time Tour winner, reminisces about the challenges of his era. The yellow jersey protocol, while stressful, is a necessary part of the Tour de France, and the strategic decisions made by teams like UAE and the new leaders can significantly impact the race's outcome.
