The cyclists in the TdF are not independent entities but are paid to be members of a team (of about 10). Live commentaries on the web (Eurosport, ITV4 etc) make this clear. Teams which lose riders along the way (injury, fatigue, timed-out or disqualification) are at a disadvantage, as are teams where members are not proving to be up to doing their job. The 'domestiques' give moral and geographical support, protecting their (relative) 'lead riders' from headwinds and also cross-winds, acting as 'wing men', fetching water from the team cars, 'leading out' in sprints, shepherding riders to the front, ... making things happen for their team or preventing things happening for another team. It's chess on wheels. The team with the strongest strategical reason to be at the front - exercising control - tends to be there in obvious numbers. There is an initial gameplan and a running strategy, conveyed by radio link. At the front, it's easier to form a line and keep in the optimal formation: work is not shared on an even basis as riders like O'Grady sacrifice themselves in 'Grand Classification' or 'overall time' terms for the sake of their lead rider. This year's Tour will effectively be decided on the slopes of the Tourmalet tomorrow or in the final time-trial (when there is no 'team effect'). Contador remains favourite because of his apparent superiority in time-trials over Schleck. G