Stage 18
23 July 2009 – Annecy, 40 km (ITT)
The final time trial was held earlier in the race than is usual, and was not, as it had been for many years previously, the last stage which is competitive in terms of the overall classification. It followed a 40.5 km route around Lake Annecy, on a course that was mainly flat, with a 270 m hill approximately ¾ around the course.
The riders set off in reverse order of their standing in the general classification, and the 19th rider to start, Mikhail Ignatiev set fastest times at all the intermediate checkpoints, and at the finish, that stood until Olympic time trial champion Fabian Cancellara, starting 58 riders later, bettered his times at the last checkpoint and, more importantly, at the finish line. Cancellara's finishing time, and Ignatiev's intermediate times were unchallenged until the last few riders were on the course, by which time there had been a rain shower and the wind speed had increased. Both Bradley Wiggins and Alberto Contador beat Cancellara's times at the top of the climb, and the earlier checkpoints, but lost time relative to the Swiss rider over the last part of the course. Wiggins lost 55 seconds to Cancellara in the last 12 km, and ended sixth on the stage, while Contador lost 49 seconds to him over the same distance, but still retained a three second advantage to win the stage.
Andy Schleck conceded 1'45" to Contador in coming 21st on the stage, but retained his second place overall, while Lance Armstrong, 16th on the stage, moved up to third overall, with an 11 second advantage over Wiggins.[11]
No time like the present (or Saturday) for AS to ride well above his head.
I guess the real question is, does Contador look worse this year or does Schleck look better which makes Contador look worse? I would be surprised to see Contador beat Cancellara again. But then I was surprised that it happened ever.
“French President Nicolas Sarkozy was on the top of the mountain to greet them.
“The image of Alberto and Andy side by side was a great image of sport,” Sarkozy said. “Alberto may win, but Andy will win next year.”
I like how that guy thinks.