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Chris Froome heads into the final individual time trial of the 2013 Tour de France with the nearest challenger over four minutes behind. We’ll have live updates from 10.00pm AEST.
Tony Martin is a favourite to make it two out two in races against the clock this year but eyes will be on the race behind Froome.
With the best of the rest from second to tenth separated by just over five minutes, this is a chance to consolidate a top ten finish or make a push for the final podium places.
For some riders, they will be wary of their efforts with three huge stages in the Alps to come.
In recent years to win the Tour a top time trial performance is crucial although the exceptions are Carlos Sastre and Andy Schleck.
Wiggins won both time trials last year on his way to winning yellow in far more friendly parcours to the former pursuit world and Olympic champion.
The riders who want those podium places will have to push themselves even if it is their undoing in the Alps.
It’s a relatively short time trial at 32kms but don’t be fooled by the distance. This is an overly techinal race with two cat 2 climbs.
Starting on the eastern shore of Lac de Serre-Ponçon, the course snakes its way toward Chorges by following the banks of the lake before heading up the second climb with the last 10kms a pleasant descent into the finishing town.
The first time check comes after 6.5kms at the first of the climbs but it will be the second time check at 20kms on the summit of the Cote de Reallon which will indicate who is losing time and who is moving up the classification.
Chris Froome has said that the first time trial suited him better than tonight but he is the favourite of the GC riders to put in a good time.
The climbing may undo Tony Martin so look for a GC man to take the win with Martin an outside chance. He may not look forward to another mammoth stint in the hot seat again though!
Richie Porte has proven he is one of the world’s best against the clock but as he is down in 26th place on GC he will soft pedal the course to ensure he’s at Froome’s beck and call in the Alps.
Contador needs to make up time but since he won the final time trial of the 2009 Tour around Annecy he hasn’t been able to replicate such results. Make of that what you will.
Stefan Schumacher was the last German rider to take out both time trials. He was aided by CERA, the drug du jour at the 2008 Tour, but there is very little doubt Martin is on similar program to his countryman.
Time trials aren;t always the most riveting of stages but the test of truth is always divisive.
If the Tour’s late nights are catching up, have short nap but set the alarm for midnight so you’re wide awake to catch the top twenty on the course with us providing all the commentary you need.
Join us from 10.00pm AEST time for all tonight’s action on a pivotal stage in the 2013 Tour de France.
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