If the overall classification is anything like as close as it was last year, we should once again be treated to a dramatic final time trial today. Unlike the time trial in the first week, this one is over a much more usual distance. The course gradient rolls without getting properly hilly and so it should suit a more powerful rider over a climber.
The Tour visits another first time stage town in Cérilly, but this is the second visit to Saint Amand Montrond. The previous time – 2001 – was also the finish of the final time trial and saw Lance Armstrong (US Postal) further increase his lead over Jan Ullrich (Telekom) with his fourth stage win of that year's Tour.
TOPICS
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Paris-Nice queen stage 7 shortened - Heavy snowfall and 'inconceivable' conditions force organisers to cut decisive mountaintop finale in Auron
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Mexican leads Italian rival by 23 seconds before the final stage in the hills -
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American moves up to third overall despite focussing on later goals in the Ardennes
