Jon Izaguirre (Movistar) has handed Spain their first stage win of the 2016 Tour de France, with a brilliant recovery effort on the final climb while Chris Froome (Sky) held the yellow jersey in convincing fashion before the ride to Paris tomorrow.
After a very unsettled start to the stage, and with rain hampering the progress of all the riders a massive group of 36 riders got away.
Roman Kreuziger (Tinkoff) made it into the move and threatened the General Classification contenders all day, with the breakaway moving out to seven minutes ahead at one point. He was provisionally second but will finish the tour tenth overall.
The attacks eventually came out of the breakaway, with Julian Alaphilippe (Etixx) and Jarlinson Pantano (IAM) getting away from the group. None of the others could follow, and there would be an eight-rider group that followed them about a minute back onto the final climb.
Vincenzo Nibali (Astana) would then attack, catching the leading duo very quickly and with a couple of kilometres still going on the climb. He would have to put in a number of moves before cracking them, but never gained much more than 15 seconds.
Jon Izaguirre then attacked, chasing Pantano and Alaphilippe down, before attacking himself and taking Pantano with him. They would catch Nibali before the top of the climb and the three would head down the treacherous descent together.
Back in the peloton, there were no moves coming from the general classification riders after Astana and Orica Bike exchange had done the work early on. Joaquin Rodriguez made a move though, which bought him some time overall and moved him up to seventh.
Bauke Molllema (Trek) would put an attack in, but be dropped backwards alongside Fabio Aru (Astana) who both lost time and were bundled out of the top ten overall.
Jon Izaguirre would ride the descent faster than Pantano and Nibali, with both of them over running a corner and never catching back on.
There were simply no attacks coming on the descent, and despite a few little changes on the leaderboard, Chris Froome will complete his third Tour de France victory in demanding fashion.
Top 10
1. Jon Izaguirre (Movistar) @ 4:06:45
2. Jarlinson Pantano (IAM) + 0:19
3. Vincenzo Nibali (Astana) + 0:42
4. Julian Alaphilippe (Etixx) + 0:49
5. Rio Costa (Lampre) + 1:43
6. Roman Kreuziger (Tinkoff) + 1:44
7. Wilco Kelderman (Lotto NL-Jumbo) + 2:30
8. Joaquin Riodriguez (Katusha) + 3:24
9. Daniel Martin (Etixx-Quickstep) + 4:12
10. Romain Bardet (Ag2r La Mondiale) + 4:12
General Classification
1. Chris Froome (Sky) @ 86:21:40
2. Romain Bardet (Ar2r) + 4:05
3. Nairo Quintana (Movistar) + 4:21
4. Adam Yates (Orica-Bikeexchange) + 4:42
5. Richie Porte (BMC) + 5:17
6. Aljeandro Valverde (Movistar) + 6:16
7. Joaquin Rodriguez (Katusha) + 6:58
8. Louis Meintjes (Lampre) + 6:58
9. Daniel Martin (Etixx-Quickstep) + 7:04
10. Roman Kreuziger (Tinkoff) + 7:11
The Tour de France might look over on the results sheet, but with more rain expected on Stage 20, another trek through the mountains and a long last descent, anything is possible. Join The Roar for live coverage from 8:55pm (AEST).
Setting off in Megeve, it is another short stage of only 146.5 kilometres, which should pave the way for plenty of attacking – although we said that yesterday and it wasn’t exactly expected.
The rain of course probably had something to do with it. After Astana had set a blistering pace for most of the stage, all of Bauke Mollema, Richie Porte and Chris Froome would crash. Mollema was the big loser, dropping to tenth on the general classification.
All of the riders will be continuing today, but it will be interesting to see how much the crashes have affected them, particularly with more adverse weather on the way.
Breaking from Tour tradition, the final mountain stage before the race parades into Paris tomorrow will finish on a downhill, and there won’t be too many riders excited about that when you put it next to the forecast.
The first 9.5 kilometres of the stage are lumpy, before the first climb of the day – the Category 2 Col des Aravis begins. Following a 12 kilometre descent the peloton will go through the intermediate sprint in Le Grand Bornand.
From there the peloton will hit the Col de la Colombiere, which is long but not all that steep only averaging 6 per cent for the 12 kilometres.
From the top it is over 30 kilometres of descending and valley roads before the Category 1 Col de la Ramaz is climbed – almost 14 kilometres at 7.1 per cent with a chance for attacking to start.
Following the descent, there are more valley roads – albeit only about 10 kilometres before the final climb of the Tour – the ‘hors categorie’ Col de Joux Plane begins. It is 11.6 kilometres at 8.5 per cent and the gradient never drops below 6.8 per cent with maximum’s reaching well over ten.
The summit is reached with 12 kilometres to go, and making it even more difficult the descent doesn’t start right away – rather it gradually drops, then goes back uphill for a kilometre before dropping all the way to the last kilometre, where it goes back up at 3 per cent.
There are no questions the descent is almost as pivotal as the climb, and with the rain thrown in any risk taking could be rewarded in a big way.
Prediction
Chris Froome might be a little down on power if he has a problem with the knee, but he won’t lose four minutes.
It’s hard to predict the final make-up of the podium. Romain Bardet has looked good so expect him to be there while Quintana looks to be following wheels and struggling to do that. Adam Yates should rebound and take third, holding off a challenge from Richie Porte.
On the other hand, it looks like a day for the breakaway to take the stage after Astana’s hard work backfired yesterday.
Be sure to join The Roar for live coverage pf Stage 20 from 8:55pm (AEST) and don’t forget to add your own comments in the section below as the action unfolds on the final day in the mountains.
Follow Scott on Twitter @sk_pryde
Nugs
Guest
Overall I thought it was a good tour. Besides Froome no big time gaps at the pointy end of the classification which kept it interesting with riders trying to get on the podium. And hey yesterday we very well could of seen a big surprise winner if Froome had of come off worst from his crash. They also should just hand Sagan the Green jersey in advance for the next few years.
Jono
Guest
Well, I just missed it, but it seems like in terms of GC I didn't miss too much. I'm sure the highlights later tonight will fill me in. Trying to decide how I rate this Tour in comparison to the Giro. The sprinting has been a class above that's for sure, but I think the Giro was the better GC race. Though it might be that I was more invested in who could win that race. Though I enjoyed this years tour. Some great racing and completely mental moments as well.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Well, that brings to an end The Roar's live coverage of the 2016 Tour de France this morning as Jarlinson Pantano took Stage 20 and Chris Froome held the yellow jersey again, all but winning his third Tour! Hopefully you enjoyed the coverage. That wraps up my involvement in live coverage of the Tour, as Ryan Day will be here to take you through Stage 21 and the final ride home into Paris tonight. Cycling on The Roar doesn't stop here though. We will be live in the coming months with the Olympic Games, Classica San Sebastien, Vuelta a Espana and the World Championships at the end of the year so plenty coming up. Before I sign off, I would like to give a shoutout to the rest of the blogging team who have done a fantastic job during the Tour - Connor Bennett, Sam Brown, Ryan Day and Brendon Vella. I'll be back next weekend with the NRL and during the week as Australia travel to Sri Lanka in international cricket. Bye for now.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Yeah I think we have been hoping for fireworks for the last week - weather made things difficult. Fantastic effort from Sky&Froome though. Pantano is something special that's for sure.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Stage Results Jon Izaguirre (Movistar) has handed Spain their first stage win of the 2016 Tour de France, with a brilliant recovery effort on the final climb while Chris Froome (Sky) held the yellow jersey in convincing fashion before the ride to Paris tomorrow. After a very unsettled start to the stage, and with rain hampering the progress of all the riders a massive group of 36 riders got away. Roman Kreuziger (Tinkoff) made it into the move and threatened the General Classification contenders all day, with the breakaway moving out to seven minutes ahead at one point. He was provisionally second but will finish the tour tenth overall. The attacks eventually came out of the breakaway, with Julian Alaphilippe (Etixx) and Jarlinson Pantano (IAM) getting away from the group. None of the others could follow, and there would be an eight-rider group that followed them about a minute back onto the final climb. Vincenzo Nibali (Astana) would then attack, catching the leading duo very quickly and with a couple of kilometres still going on the climb. He would have to put in a number of moves before cracking them, but never gained much more than 15 seconds. Jon Izaguirre then attacked, chasing Pantano and Alaphilippe down, before attacking himself and taking Pantano with him. They would catch Nibali before the top of the climb and the three would head down the treacherous descent together. Back in the peloton, there were no moves coming from the general classification riders after Astana and Orica Bike exchange had done the work early on. Joaquin Rodriguez made a move though, which bought him some time overall and moved him up to seventh. Bauke Molllema (Trek) would put an attack in, but be dropped backwards alongside Fabio Aru (Astana) who both lost time and were bundled out of the top ten overall. Jon Izaguirre would ride the descent faster than Pantano and Nibali, with both of them over running a corner and never catching back on. There were simply no attacks coming on the descent, and despite a few little changes on the leaderboard, Chris Froome will complete his third Tour de France victory in demanding fashion. Top 10 1. Jon Izaguirre (Movistar) @ 4:06:45 2. Jarlinson Pantano (IAM) + 0:19 3. Vincenzo Nibali (Astana) + 0:42 4. Julian Alaphilippe (Etixx) + 0:49 5. Rio Costa (Lampre) + 1:43 6. Roman Kreuziger (Tinkoff) + 1:44 7. Wilco Kelderman (Lotto NL-Jumbo) + 2:30 8. Joaquin Riodriguez (Katusha) + 3:24 9. Daniel Martin (Etixx-Quickstep) + 4:12 10. Romain Bardet (Ag2r La Mondiale) + 4:12 General Classification 1. Chris Froome (Sky) @ 86:21:40 2. Romain Bardet (Ar2r) + 4:05 3. Nairo Quintana (Movistar) + 4:21 4. Adam Yates (Orica-Bikeexchange) + 4:42 5. Richie Porte (BMC) + 5:17 6. Aljeandro Valverde (Movistar) + 6:16 7. Joaquin Rodriguez (Katusha) + 6:58 8. Louis Meintjes (Lampre) + 6:58 9. Daniel Martin (Etixx-Quickstep) + 7:04 10. Roman Kreuziger (Tinkoff) + 7:11
Scott Pryde
Expert
General Classification 1. Chris Froome (Sky) @ 86:21:40 2. Romain Bardet (Ar2r) + 4:05 3. Nairo Quintana (Movistar) + 4:21 4. Adam Yates (Orica-Bikeexchange) + 4:42 5. Richie Porte (BMC) + 5:17 6. Aljeandro Valverde (Movistar) + 6:16 7. Joaquin Rodriguez (Katusha) + 6:58 8. Louis Meintjes (Lampre) + 6:58 9. Daniel Martin (Etixx-Quickstep) + 7:04 10. Roman Kreuziger (Tinkoff) + 7:11
Nugs
Guest
Unfortunate as I think we were hoping for some more fireworks today with guys like Quintana, Yates and Porte all looking to improve on their positions. I guess in today's weather and after the last 4 days that Sky train tempo is just too much. Pantano extremely impressive, one to watch.
Scott Pryde
Expert
It has been a fantastic ride from Froome - not his normal domination and as you so those attacks downhill and crosswinds. Ventoux is going to live long in the memory bank, but hopefully it brings change with it in future. Bardet is going to win a GT one day. So is Yates. Thanks Sam. Been a pleasure working with everyone mate! See ya for the Vuelta.
Sam Brown
Roar Guru
It's up now.
Sam Brown
Roar Guru
Well another Tour just about in the bag. Ultimately a very well deserved win for Froome, he really stamped his authority on the Tour, attacking on the downhill and also in the crosswinds, unexpected and also a very welcome shakeup. We will never forget what happened on the Ventoux and there were some other great stages. In the end though Sky did what Sky do best and controlled the pace of everyone, riding a hard tempo, grinding them down to stifle any possible attacks. Among the other riders, we knew Bardet was something special but this is another step for him. Quintana was disappointing and perhaps suffered from some of the hard flat stages more than we thought. Porte and Yates also did very well for their first true leadership tests in GC, they will be around and challenging for a few years yet. Thanks for organising the coverage Scott. You’ve done a great job.
Sam Brown
Roar Guru
Well I just did a big long post but it got moderated for some reason.Weird. Thanks very much for orgaising the coverage Scott, you've done a great job. Great Tour with some very memorable moments.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Stage Results 1. Jon Izaguirre (Movistar) @ 4:06:45 2. Jarlinson Pantano (IAM) + 0:19 3. Vincenzo Nibali (Astana) + 0:42 4. Julian Alaphilippe (Etixx) + 0:49 5. Rio Costa (Lampre) + 1:43 6. Roman Kreuziger (Tinkoff) + 1:44 7. Wilco Kelderman (Lotto NL-Jumbo) + 2:30 8. Joaquin Riodriguez (Katusha) + 3:24 9. Daniel Martin (Etixx-Quickstep) + 4:12 10. Romain Bardet (Ag2r La Mondiale) + 4:12
Scott Pryde
Expert
Full results and report to come. Thoughts Roarers?
Scott Pryde
Expert
So then, that's it! Froome will win the Tour as long as he stays upright tomorrow, which was probably the case today as well really.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Team Sky have four riders at the front of the peloton as they come to the line. Martin and Bardet both want to sprint for places, as does Quintana. Maybe a slight gap here as well but it won't matter. Everyone goes around Froome in fact as he smiles coming across the line and gives his teammates a nod of approval. Martin led them over ahead of Bardet.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Rodriguez coming up to the line now and he could find himself climbing to the top 10 depending on how much time he takes. He will stop the clock at 3:21
Scott Pryde
Expert
Wilco Kelderman the next man across the line. He may have crashed on the descent there with some blood on his chin.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Kreuziger and Costa now coming up to the line and Kreuziger will work for every second to the line here, stopping the clock at about 1:26.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Fantastic ride for Alaphilippe as he comes over in fourth.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Jon Izagirre has won Stage 20 He rides up to the line with the arms in the air! A stage win for Movistar and Spain! Pantano comes up to the line in second about 19 seconds back and he looks pretty happy with himself there. Nibali about 25 seconds later in third place.