It's been almost three weeks since we last saw the state-of-the-art time trial machines, but finally we come to a test that should have the TT specialists drooling if they're not running on empty.
The course is majestic, running out of Bordeaux and past some celebrated grand cru vineyards. The rolling terrain should suit TT world champion Fabian Cancellara, but after three weeks of racing today's performance will be as much about who's got some form left as ability against the clock.
-
No longer under the radar, Michael Storer is the Giro d'Italia contender you need to know about
'Watch out for Michael Storer' says teammate as strong Tour of the Alps stage victory confirms Australian's status as Giro GC threat -
Pre-race favourite Antonio Tiberi out of Tour of the Alps with sickness
Italian abandons key Giro d'Italia build-up race as crash also forces Salvatore Puccio out of race -
Super agents - How pro cycling's rich and powerful are growing ever more influential
A lot of contracts and futures are controlled in the hands of a small number of people in this new era of professional cycling -
'The Loch Ness Monster of cycling' – New details of the One Cycling project revealed by Belgian press
Het Laatste Nieuws reveals men's teams expected to receive €1 million a season, women's teams €500,000, with four new races
