Stage 19: Bonneval to Chartres, 53.5km individual time trial
It was hoped that the final time trial of the Tour would – like the Giro – provide a final showdown for the maillot jaune, but sadly that’s not to be, barring a major disaster for Bradley Wiggins. Indeed there is unlikely to be any change to the order of the top five, although we could see some movement in the lower reaches of the top ten.
Fast, flat and long by modern standards at 53.5km, this stage will be more about power, endurance and staying focussed than technique. We could easily see time gaps of five minutes or more between the top time trial specialists and the clock-shy climbers. With Fabian Cancellara and Tony Martin long since departed, this could come down to a straight shoot-out between Sky teammates Wiggins and Chris Froome. The former was 35 seconds quicker as the pair finished one-two on stage nine‘s shorter 41.5km course. A repeat is entirely possible here.
Cycling the Alps’ interactive videos of the route can be found here.
Link: Official website