I’m sure I’m not the only one who has wondered these things about the Tour de France:
The riders temper their competitiveness with an elaborate but unwritten code of conduct and superstition.
When possible, a rider is allowed to lead through his village or on his birthday.
It is considered unsporting to attack a leading rider delayed by misfortune.
Attacking a rider who is taking un besoin naturel (“a natural need”, urinating) or attacking at all in the feed zone is not seen as sporting.
Not sticking to these customs can lead to animosity.
