Question on TDF finishing timing

[novetan]

Upon touching the finishing line, how many sec is allowed between riders in order to achieve same timing? I understand is within a sec from the front rider. Is tht correct?

 

[Ian193]

I think they all get same time as trying to separate them would be impossible

 

[Adam G]

I think they all get same time as trying to separate them would be impossible

This.

If a one second gap can be found where no rider crosses the line then +1(or whatever this gap is) is added to GC.

 

[novetan]

I presume there is an electronic tag onto the bike which can even record diff of micro sec. So just wonder why 1 sec can't be differentiated. Or is it rule is set to ignore diff of 1, 2 or even 3 sec. Sorry, some stupid question but I'm just curious abt this

 

[Beebo]

As User points out, it's mainly a safety issue.

If all the riders know they will get the same time as the winner they wont start pushing to get to the front, which leaves the real sprinters with the chance to win.

You can see the carnage that sometimes happens when 5 or 6 sprinters are pushing for the line, imagine if it was all 190 riders jostling for position.

 

[oldroadman]

Mostly correct except it's not done with transponders. The photo finish has a time reference and is used to determine a gap in excess of 1 second between groups, that group then gets actual time. So it's possible to be near the back of a peloton, have a small gap of 1 second open, and end up losing 20 seconds from lack of attention. Which is only of any importance in stage races where the riders concerned may be high on GC.