racing rules

Question
QUESTION: Michael,
I have been enjoying watching the pros race for many years, including the Tour de France.
I know that if there is an accident within 3K of the finish, riders are given the same time as the group they were with.  My question is, what if there is a split among that group after the accident?  How is it determined which part of that group they should be credited with finishing with?
Thanks,
Paul

ANSWER: Hello Paul,

Thanks for asking me this question, this is an easy one.
All riders behind that group will be credited with the time as penalty.
If the riders will finish 40 seconds comes across the finishline, he will add this extra time at his GC (General Ranking).
Hope that this is what you expected, enjoy this years Tour de France!

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Michael,
Thanks for the answer.  I suspect that English isn't your first language, because I didn't understand any of that explanation.
My question was what time are they credited with if the group they were with (the ones who were not delayed)then splits due to racing.  And why would a penalty be involved?
Thanks for trying to answer, and please try again if you have the patience.
And I am enjoying watching the Tour right now!
Paul

ANSWER: Dear Paul,

Thank you for your patience, and yes, English is not my native language (Dutch it is).
Sorry that you didn't understand my answer, will try it again.
The winner will get bonus seconds (thought the first 10 riders), if there is an accident within the last 3k, those riders will get the same finishresults as the group the riders were in.
The extra time is the "penalty" for the riders who were outside that group.
An certain group of 8 members from the UCI will determine these (special board).
All of the Tour de France you can read at http://www.letour.fr/le-tour/2012/us/sporting-stakes-rules.html There is a whole lot of news at this website to read...

I hope that this answer, will fit onto your expectations...

Thanks for your patience.


Best regards,

Michael

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Michael,
Actually, there are no time bonuses this year, all straight time.

My question is:  suppose I fall at 2.5K and the group I was with continues, then at 1.5K they split into two groups due to hard racing.  Which of those two groups would I be given the time of?

I know the 3K rule does not apply on mountain top finishes, so a split at 1.5K on a level stage would be rare, but I think it could happen.  What then?

By the way, as you can see, my family name is Dutch.
Thanks,
Paul Veerkamp

Answer
Hello Paul,

So far I know you will get the time of the last group, but I don't know that for sure.
In that case you should look that up in the racing rule book, I can't help you further with this one.
And I think this won't happen, but anything is possible in the Tour de France!

Enjoy the Tour today Paul!

Kind regards, Michael