Why is the final stage of the tour processional?

The time for drinking champagne is after the race not during!

Surely if the final stage were competitive, it would make the entry into Paris far more interesting?

Has there always been this acceptance of the result before the race is over?  

Isn't it time for one of the new clean teams to break with tradition and go for it? 

I wouldn`t necessarily agree-as I think its only fair that the sprinters or breakaways have their day of prestige after hauling themselves over the mountain stages. I like the celebratory aspect of it, as it gives the fans a chance to see the riders (at last! ) enjoying themselves. And why break with tradition?     

If someone was ahead by 1 second would it be bad form for them to sprint past him and win?

 

It does seem strange that it's a procession. That last day TT in 1989 when Lemond beat Fignon looked fun.