Time bonuses, or bonifications as the French (and Sean Kelly) call them, were awarded in this year’s Tour de France for the first time since 2007. Barring the two time trials, first, second and third in each stage received a bonus of 10, 6 and 4 seconds respectively.
This is relatively modest compared to 2007 when 20, 12 and 8 seconds were awarded. Or 1935 when first and second got 90 and 45 seconds or, in the case of a solo break, the winner’s time gap was the bonus, up to 2 minutes. Or 1923 and 1924; 2 and 3 minutes respectively to stage winners.
For almost as long as it’s existed, Tour organisers have been fiddling with bonifications in an attempt to enliven the racing. Why? The logic is pretty simple; when cyclists would otherwise sit on wheels, they will sprint against one another if bonus time is on offer.
Those against time bonuses argue that the race for yellow should be about real time. Generally GC contenders consider it unfair that they might lose precious seconds because a competitor happens to be able to throw their bike over the line in front. There is also an argument that it confuses fans and reduces the chances of breakaways. Sprinters, on the other hand, love them as they offer virtually the only chance for the fast men to take the yellow jersey. It’s no coincidence that Cavendish has never worn yellow and that his reign as sprint king coincides with the period the Tour has shunned bonuses.
There is no question that their inclusion adds to the excitement of the racing, particularly in the first week, as it increases the likelihood of the yellow jersey changing hands. This year, crashes took care of that to an extent but the sight of Cancellara successfully snagging third place on stage 2 (ahead of a ‘sitting-up’ Cavendish) probably wouldn’t have happened without the promise of the 4 bonus seconds that gave him the yellow jersey.
Compare this to 2012 when Cancellara held the yellow jersey from the prologue until stage 6, at which point Wiggins took it and kept it till Paris. Or last year when besides stages 1 (Kittel) and 9 (Gallopin), Nibali wore the yellow jersey the entire time.
As well as spicing things up in the first week, time bonuses also make the GC battle more interesting. As Quintana rode away from Froome on the penultimate stage of this year’s edition, the possibility of an extra 10 seconds on offer no doubt spurred the little Colombian climber on and also gave viewers some more belief that a great upset was on the cards. In the end, of course, it wasn’t to be but it made for great racing and great viewing.
While there have been instances when time bonuses have affected the outcome (Chris Froome would have beaten Juan José Cobo in the 2011 Vuelta a España if it weren’t for the bonuses), it’s not so common. This year, for example, it made no difference to the final classification. And when it does make a difference, it’s hard to argue it’s unfair; cyclists are aware of the rules and need to race accordingly.
Time bonuses are likely to be included in next year’s edition. With the excitement they add to stage finishes, it’s yet another reason to go and experience the race in the flesh. UCI Travel, in partnership with Mummu Cycling, offers fans the opportunity to get behind the scenes at the Tour in ways that would otherwise not be possible.
By Laurence Guttmann