BERGERAC, France, (Reuters) – After almost three weeks of action-packed racing the minor podium places in the Tour de France are likely to be decided in today’s final time trial.
The 54-km solo effort against the clock between Bergerac and Perigueux should be won by German Tony Martin, triple world champion in the discipline, but most eyes will be on a couple of Frenchmen and Spain’s Alejandro Valverde.
Italian Vincenzo Nibali is expected to wrap up the Tour title as he leads Thibaut Pinot by 7:10 – a virtually unassailable lead if the Astana rider avoids crashes on a straightforward course.
“There are no risks to be taken but I will honour the yellow jersey, the Tour, my team mates and ride it like a leader,” Nibali told reporters.
Pinot, who is not a time trial specialist but has dramatically improved in the discipline this season, holds a 13-second lead over compatriot Jean-Christophe Peraud while Valverde lies fourth overall, two seconds further back.
French FDJ.fr rider Pinot could drop to fourth while Peraud and Valverde, who both have national time trial titles, may be battling for second.
“Pinot has really improved a lot in time trials. Many will be surprised,” Andy Flickinger, a sports director at French rival team Europcar, told Reuters.
FDJ.fr sports director Yvon Madiot also told Reuters: “He’s as fresh as them. He was one of the easiest in the climb (to Hautacam in the last mountain stage on Thursday).
“He spent a lot of time in the wind tunnel, a lot of time on his time trial bike at home. I know that he has been doing time trial simulations.
“Maybe we’re going to be disappointed tomorrow but I believe he will do it.”
There are no categorised climbs on the course but it does feature a few bumps – which will suit Pinot, Valverde and Peraud.
NOTHING GRANTED
Valverde’s Movistar team manager Eusebio Unzue is hopeful his protege will secure a podium finish in Paris.
“I’m very confident for Alejandro. I know it is not going to be easy, Jean-Christophe is also a time trial specialist,” said the Spaniard.
“Pinot, given his form, should do a good time trial but I’m very confident.”
