Montélimar – Mont Ventoux (167 km)
There was only one contender for picture of the day. It had to be the imposing and arid slopes of Mont Ventoux, with its wonderful views across France. The aerial perspective, receding bands of increasingly bluer terrain, seemed to go on for ever. A truly amazing place for the penultimate finish of the 2009 tour.
The riders of todays gruelling stage were strung out along the long ascent with eventual winner Juan Manuel Garate just pipping Tony Martin, both being the last remaining riders of a breakaway group that had formed early in the race. They finished 38 seconds behind Alberto Contador who was confirmed as yellow jersey tour winner, Andy Schleck who is likely to be second and best young rider and Lance Armstrong currently in third overall place. Bradley Wiggins‘ determined ride won him 10th place in this stage, meaning he stays in 4th overall tour place. A good ride in Paris could mean a podium place, but he will have to overtake Lance Armstrong who is 37 seconds ahead: attainable but not easy! Mark Cavendish came in well down the field, which is not surprising as a climb such as this is definitely not his discipline. Let’s hope he was saving his energy for the race to the finish in Paris.Winners:
Stage 1 – Fabian Cancellara (to wear yellow for Stage 2) – 3rd Bradley Wiggins
Stage 2 – Mark Cavendish (will wear green for Stage 3)
Stage 3 – Mark Cavendish (will wear green for Stage 4)
Stage 4 – Team Astana
Stage 5 – Thomas Voeckler - 3rd Mark Cavendish
Stage 6 – Thor Hushovd
Stage 7 – Brice Feillu
Stage 8 – Luis León Sánchez
Stage 9 – Pierrick Fédrigo
Rest Day
Stage 10 – Mark Cavendish
Stage 11 – Mark Cavendish (regains green for Stage 12)
Stage 12 – Nicki Sørensen
Stage 13 – Heinrich Haussler
Stage 14 – Sergei Ivanov
Stage 15 – Alberto Contador (to wear yellow for Stage 16)
Rest Day
Stage 16 – Mikel Astarloza
Stage 17 – Frank Schleck
Stage 18 – Alberto Contador
Stage 19 – Mark Cavendish
Stage 20 – Juan Manuel Garate
(More cycling information from the official Tour de France website.)
