Rank–size law, financial inequality indices and gain concentrations by cyclist teams. The case of a multiple stage bicycle race, like Tour de France

Marcel Ausloos

Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, 2020, vol. 540, issue C

Abstract: This note examines financial distributions to competing teams at the end of the most famous multiple stage professional (male) bicyclist race, ”TOUR DE FRANCE”. A rank–size law (RSL) is calculated for the team financial gains. The RSL is found to be hyperbolic with a surprisingly simple decay exponent ≈−1. Yet, the financial gain distributions unexpectedly do not obey Pareto principle of factor sparsity. Next, several (8) inequality indices are considered : the Entropy, the Hirschman–Herfindahl, Theil, Pietra–Hoover, Gini, Rosenbluth indices, the Coefficient of Variation and the Concentration Index are calculated for outlining «diversity measures». The connection between such indices and their «concentration aspects» meanings are presented as support of the RSL findings. The results emphasize that the sum of skills and team strategies are effectively contributing to the financial gains distributions. From theoretical and practical points of view, the findings suggest that one should investigate other ”long multiple stage races” and rewarding rules. Indeed, money prize rules coupling to stage difficulty might influence and maybe enhance (or deteriorate) purely sportive aspects in group competitions.

Keywords: Professional cyclist multistage races; Tour de France; Financial gains hierarchy; Financial indices; Rank–size Law (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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Working Paper: Rank-size law, financial inequality indices and gain concentrations by cyclist teams. The case of a multiple stage bicycle race, like Tour de France (2019)
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:phsmap:v:540:y:2020:i:c:s0378437119317807

DOI: 10.1016/j.physa.2019.123161

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