125k from Annecy to
Annecy-Semnoz
High Mountains, MTF;
Weather: partly cloudy, 27c
(80f), chance of rain: 30%
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| Stage 20 on the map |
Today’s stage is a short
125k, and will probably be fast and furious. The stage ends on top of the HC
Annecy-Semnoz climb.
Stage 20 is the last chance
for riders to try and change their positions in the General Classification.
Chris Froome of Team Sky still leads with a commanding 5:11 over second place
Alberto Contador of Team Saxo-Tinkoff. The battle for Contador’s spot is in the
minds of Movistar’s Nairo Quintana and Katusha’s Joaquim Rodriguez. Either one
of them or Saxo’s Roman Kreuziger will likely get the third podium position.
Who will be denied a spot on the podium in Paris?
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| The stage 20 route around Annecy |
We will also see who has the
legs to fight for the king of the mountains jersey today. Chris Froome leads
Pierre Rolland of Europcar by one point in the mountains competition. Mikel
Nieve of the Basque Euskaltel squad is third with just five fewer points than
Rolland. Quintana lies fourth, and Christophe Riblon of Ag2R is fifth, just 11
points off the lead.
The difficult category-1
Mont Revard, which tops out at km 78.5, may cause some decisive splits,
although its summit is almost 50k from the finish. In any case, it will show
who does not have the legs to contest the stage win today.
TO THE ACTION:
170 riders will take the
start in the picturesque city of Annecy today.
Sun is shining as the riders
take the start.
*Pierre Rolland (EUC) attacks as soon as the flag drops. It looks like the
French climber is interested in the polka dot jersey after all.
Jens Voigt (RSL) is the next to jump away from the peloton.
