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The Tour That Almost Wasn’t

What could happen to team race strategies, or the overall outcome if one or more teams are expelled from the race?  The chaotic 1998 Tour provides some interesting lessons and insights. News circulating that four teams have returned at least one positive COVID-19 test in their respective “team bubbles” has put the on-going Tour de France on edge. The single case per team is below the two-cases-and-you’re-out mandate of the French Health Ministry, but another case in any of these teams would mean an immediate withdrawal from the race. And given the large crowds witnessed across many of the stages so far – some honoring mask-wearing and social distancing, but many others not even trying – there is the likelihood of more positive coronavirus tests and new outbreaks. ASO is predictably committed on the race finishing as scheduled despite the circumstances and increasing likelihood of teams...