Stage 20 - Saturday, July 23: Saint-Etienne - Saint-Etienne ITT, 55 km
The showdown! All things being equal (and even with a few inequalitites) the individual time trial...
The showdown! All things being equal (and even with a few inequalitites) the individual time trial should provide a great spectacle at the end of a gruelling three weeks - Armstrong thrives in this race against the clock, and his dominance is well documented. But if we have a situation like 2003, this could be the clincher for the leader going into the stage, or it could provide the challenger with a whisker of hope. Here's hoping the weather stays fine and we get Ullrich out firing and witness Basso's improvement in time trialling, which has also been well-documented. The distance suits Armstrong, but the undulating terrain suits Ullrich's ability to push the big gears and power along. A surprise may be in the works, but chances are it'll come down to these two, regardless of where they are on GC - but it's also likely they'll both be at the pointy end of the field.
Start order
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Most Popular
Latest on Cyclingnews
-
Mark Cavendish confirms Tour de France Singapore Criterium as last ever race in pro cycling
Comments from record-breaking rider had raised doubts over slated retirement but social media post now makes it clear Sunday is definitely the end -
Patent pending: How patents steer innovation in cycling
Cyclingnews speaks to a patent attorney and some of the bike industry's biggest brands to learn more about the complex world of patents -
Cycling transfers – All the latest news and announcements for the 2025 season
The ultimate guide to the pro cycling transfer window, tracking every move across the men's and women's WorldTour -
Mortirolo could return to Giro d'Italia Women in 2025 after eight-year absence
Nearby town of Aprica to host a stage finish of eight-day race, route yet to be announced