The Tour returns to a penultimate stage time trial after a brief, one-year hiatus, and could produce a nail-biting finish if Froome, Contador, and Vincenzo Nibali (Astana) are in the reckoning. In previous editions, this final roll of the dice before the ceremonial run in to Paris has produced dramatic changes of leadership (Stephen Roche’s assumption of the Golden Fleece in 1987, Alberto Contador’s displacing Andy Schleck at the top of the GC in 2011) and confirmation of superiority (see Wiggins, B. 2012).
The most pertinent historical reference for a Tour time trial in Bergerac, however, is Miguel Indurain’s demolition job in 1994; a victory that saw him assume the yellow jersey on the ninth stage, en route to the fourth of his five consecutive victories in Le Tour. At 54km, this year’s test will be 10km shorter than the course on which Big Mig destroyed his opposition, and flatter, but has greater capacity to decide the race. Froome, Contador, Nibali, and perhaps even Quintana will be licking their lips; Andy Schleck (Trek) however, is likely to be shaking his head.
