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complete opposite
what I heard from most pros describing their first TdF while having ridden other GT's: they go a lot faster in the Tour, so while the terrain may look easier, the racing is harder. For GC guys it may be a bit easier, as there are a lot of 'sprint stages'
peter_v-
8 in a team will change how much work a team will have to do too.
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This is more what I mean I think @andyp
With an easier route, there's less chance of absolutely exploding and hurting yourself physically, Pinot put himself in hospital during the Giro, and I can think of more riders "exploding" in the Vuelta and Giro than the Tour.
If he is in a domestique deluxe role too, he won't be needed on the flat days and can role in 20 minutes behind the peloton if needed with much less exertion. In the Vuelta say, it's still a tough day in the saddle just to get to the finish line.
Maybe the easiest way to look at is last years GT's:
Giro x36 DNF
Tour x31 DNF
Vuelta x40 DNF
Hamham
noBlakes
Really? That's the complete opposite to everything I've ever read or heard. The Tour is considered harder than the others because of the prestige, the strength in depth of the field and the high value of stage wins. Even on the so called easy days, the battle for position is intense and teams are working hard to protect their leaders.