Tour de France
July 25, 2009
After an arduous climb to Mont Ventoux, Spain's Alberto Contador has all but sealed his second Tour de France victory. Luxembourg's Andy Schleck looks set to take the second spot.
Spain's Juan Manuel Garate won the 167-kilometer (103.8-mile) Stage 20 from Montelimar to the dreaded Mont Ventoux, which features a 21.1-kilometer (13.1-mile) ride up a very steep ascent. His time was four hours 39 minutes and 21seconds. Her held off fellow breakaway rider, Germany's Tony Martin, by three seconds.
But possibly the one contestant with the biggest smile tomorrow, will be Lance Armstrong, the seven time tour champion. He has guaranteed himself a spot on the podium as well.
"Hey, I can't complain. For an old fart coming in here and getting on the podium with these young guys, not so bad," said Armstrong. He is five minutes 24 seconds off the pace.
Armstrong, the Texas native, came back to the tour after a hiatus of three years to try to win the tour for a record eighth time and also to promote his cancer foundation.
Armstrong was not assured of third place. While Contador had a comfortable lead throughout the Stage 20, second through sixth place rankings were separated by 1 minute 28 seconds. Armstrong had Britain's Bradley Wiggins close on his heels for much of the day.
On Sunday, the final stage is a largely ceremonial ride into Paris, traditionally without breakaway attempts among the leaders.
Only an accident can prevent Contador from going down the Champs-Elysees as the winner.
av/Reuters/AFP
Editor: Kateri Jochum