It was as if they raced two stages today, the first 205.5 km and then the last 5. The first part was rather uneventful, as it featured an early 18 man breakaway slowly dwindle down to 4 while the Saxo Bank led peloton chased it down because of the firepower included in the breakaway (Kloden, Hesjedal, Vinokourov). There were a few noteworthy events, but not a whole lot. Thor Hushovd took back the green jersey.
He got himself into the breakaway and finished 2nd in the first sprint and won the second one to grab enough points to take green back from Petacchi. Tyler Farrar also dropped out of the race, as the rapid pace of the peloton was just too much for the young sprinter trying to recover from a wrist injury. The four man breakaway would be punished, though, as soon as they passed the 5 km to go banner. Hesjedal and Kloden immediately dropped back, and Kiryienka soon followed leaving Vinokourov all by himself out front.
Vinokourov kept a strong pace going while the field behind him scrambled on the short but incredibly steep climb. After a quick failed move by AG2R John Gadret, Joaquin Rodriguez decided to make a move off the front of the peloton to run down Vinokourov. He was allowed to escape by the peloton as he wasn't much of a threat, at least not until a very special guest joined him.
Alberto Contador took advantage of the steep climb and jumped across the gap to join Rodriguez. Andy Schleck tried to mark him but was unable to match the unexpected acceleration of the Spaniard. Contador and Rodriguez continued to lift the tempo and easily passed Vinokourov (Vino was not very happy about this as he expressed frustration as he crossed the line). Schleck got himself organized and brought some of the other GC leaders together for a chase.
They made up a good bit of time on the flat runway into the finish, and only lost 10 seconds to Contador and Rodriguez. Though it may have only been 10 seconds, it still may mean the difference between first and second on the final time trial, so I have to say the advantage switched over to Contador today. Nevertheless, Schleck will continue to proudly wear the Maillot Jaune tomorrow.
It was as if they raced two stages today, the first 205.5 km and then the last 5. The first part was rather uneventful, as it featured an early 18 man breakaway slowly dwindle down to 4 while the Saxo Bank led peloton chased it down because of the firepower included in the breakaway (Kloden, Hesjedal, Vinokourov). There were a few noteworthy events, but not a whole lot. Thor Hushovd took back the green jersey. 
He got himself into the breakaway and finished 2nd in the first sprint and won the second one to grab enough points to take green back from Petacchi. Tyler Farrar also dropped out of the race, as the rapid pace of the peloton was just too much for the young sprinter trying to recover from a wrist injury. The four man breakaway would be punished, though, as soon as they passed the 5 km to go banner. Hesjedal and Kloden immediately dropped back, and Kiryienka soon followed leaving Vinokourov all by himself out front.
Vinokourov kept a strong pace going while the field behind him scrambled on the short but incredibly steep climb. After a quick failed move by AG2R John Gadret, Joaquin Rodriguez decided to make a move off the front of the peloton to run down Vinokourov. He was allowed to escape by the peloton as he wasn't much of a threat, at least not until a very special guest joined him.
Alberto Contador took advantage of the steep climb and jumped across the gap to join Rodriguez. Andy Schleck tried to mark him but was unable to match the unexpected acceleration of the Spaniard. Contador and Rodriguez continued to lift the tempo and easily passed Vinokourov (Vino was not very happy about this as he expressed frustration as he crossed the line). Schleck got himself organized and brought some of the other GC leaders together for a chase.
They made up a good bit of time on the flat runway into the finish, and only lost 10 seconds to Contador and Rodriguez. Though it may have only been 10 seconds, it still may mean the difference between first and second on the final time trial, so I have to say the advantage switched over to Contador today. Nevertheless, Schleck will continue to proudly wear the Maillot Jaune tomorrow.
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