Contador close to stage victory – Saxo-Tinkoff with two riders on the podium
Day 17 stage of the Tour de France was a 32 mile long and mountainous time trial starting in Embrun and ending in Chorges on the edge of the Alps.
Tejay van Garderen had long been the best time, and when the rain began to fall midway in the day, it extended his stay in the hot seat. As Alberto Contador blew past the first time count, he was two seconds faster than Chris Froome, and at 13.5 km 20 seconds better than Froome.
During the last time count Chris Froome was just 11 seconds behind Alberto Contador had the best time at the finish. But Vroome Froome plowed through the descent and to the finish line, where he won by 9 seconds ahead of Alberto Contador. Contador is now in second place (4:34 behind), while Roman Kreuziger is in third place (4:51).
“It was enormously interesting to follow, and of course is it a shame not to take the stage win, when we are so close. On the other hand, I am also pleased that both Roman and Alberto raced so well today, and we have now occupied the rest of the podium in the overall standings. Tomorrow and the next few days we will continue our plan and seek our goal – to win the Tour de France. Of course it is an advantage for us purely tactical to have two cards to play, but we will not do it aimlessly. There are several options, “said an optimistic sporting director, Fabrizio Guidi.
Marcel Kittel commented on his race today:
Marcel Kittel
“I found a good rhythm from the beginning and I wanted to give it some today as I had the time limit in the back of my mind. This didn’t turn out to be a problem at all. I am happy with this performance. From now on I will take it day by day, the most important thing for me now is to survive the mountains before my big goals of getting to Paris and sprinting one more at that historic finish.”
Valverde was one a few riders who changed bikes after the second climb. He came in 12th.
This is how hard it was raining when some of the riders were on course.
This fan was dressed as Borat. Not sure what that has to do with bike racing.
