Hello and welcome to CN's live coverage from the Tour de France. Today is the last stage in the Alps, the last day in the mountains, as we head from Modane Valfréjus to Alpe-d’Huez.
The rider who wins on Alpe-d'Huez often goes on to win in Paris, as Carlos Sastre underlined in 2008. With just two stages to follow, this could turn into a 109.5km mountain sprint. There is little chance to warm up before the course reaches the 34km ascent comprising the Télégraphe and the epic north face of the Galibier. There are sure to be some breaks, with riders hoping they can defend their advantage on the long descent into Bourg d'oisans and onto the first ramps of the alpe, where the winner will climb into Tour history.
We're around 30 minutes from today's start.
Here's where we stand on GC after yesterday's stage.
Tommy V is still in with a podium place while it looks like the race is down to just three GC contenders for yellow, the Shleck as they're collectively known, and Evans.
And bear in mind today's stage distance, just 109km. It's going to be short but brutal with the three epic Alpine peaks to contend with.
And it's not just yellow that's up for grabs: The mountains, points and white jerseys are all still on the table after yesterday's stage. Cavendish lost 20 points so now leads Rojas by 15 points, Jelle Vanendert as a slim lead over Sanchez, who has come out saying he'll target the jersey, and Rein Taaramae had a great day yesterday but still isn't in a secure position. He leads Rolland by 33 sceonds. At least he can ride for himself while Rolland will have to put the defence of yellow as his priority for the day.
And lets not forget the team classification. Garmin lead and they'll want to finish the Tour as the top team - lots of lovely UCI points in that competition.
But we finish on Alpe d'Huez today, last used in 2008 when Carlos Sastre rode away from Evans, the Schleck, Vande Velde, Menchov, Kohl and co to win the Tour de France.
And this red-top German rode the climb in 1997, sealing his first and only TDF win.
Since then we've seen Telekom riders pushed off their bikes by fans (1999), Lance look into Jan's eyes and in the process send Phil and Paul into ecstasy, an individual and predictable TT, Mayo (remember him?) and Frank Schleck win in 03, and 06.
Today is another day, and we'll see new riders emerge, whether they're winners or losers.
The riders are lining up now and we're close to the start of the stage. Despite the brutal profile we're going to see attacks throughout the stage.
And we've started. Blue skies, the sun is out, a Frenchman is in yellow and all is right with the world.
We're still in the neutralized zone though, Voeckler looks a tad nervous as you might expect. Cavendish looks determined and Schleck are both riding near the front.
And we already have an attack. BMC, Vacansoleil, Euskatel, Astana, Sky all present an we actually have two groups out on the road.
And we already have an attack. BMC, Vacansoleil, Euskatel, Astana, Sky all present an we actually have two groups out on the road.
100km remaining from 109km
The advantage to the break has gone up dramatically. It's now at 2:20.
I wonder what odds you'd get on Greipel winning today's stage. Pretty slim I'm sure, but there are some handy climbers in the break today, Costa - already a winner in the Tour this year - Hoogy, and Riblon.
A quick reaction from the bunch, Lampre leading the chase, along with Saxo and Leopard.
93km remaining from 109km
Sorensen attacks for Saxo Bank. That's an interesting move of intent from Contador's team.
And straight away the Schleck said their workers to the front of the field, while up ahead Greipel has been dropped by the break. There goes my $300 bet.
And Contador attacks.
He's got guts, you have to admit that. Andy Schleck straight on his wheel and they catch Sorenson.
And Contador now has another teammate with him and he sets the pace, both the Schleck with him and Evans is having to chase, but there's a gap already.
Evans makes it up to the Contador group, nice and steady from the Australian.
Voeckler is in trouble, Sanchez, Cunego with him.
Voeckler launches one, and goes passed Sanchez. Panic?
Nice move from the Frenchman, he makes it to the Contador group. Rabobank have a man up there too, it's Barredo and the Saxo teammate is Navarro.
Barrredo doing the work, perhaps for Contador.
And Contador takes up the pace and he's splitting the group. This is incredible.
He has Andy Schleck with him but Frank Schleck has been dropped. Evans and Voeckler still there. Frank is done, Evans has to work with Contador now.
Contador, Andy S, Evans and Voeckler. Everyone has just been blown away.
Contador and co have a minute on the bunch already. Will this dent Cav's green jersey?
Liquigas leading the peloton, with some Leopards hovering close by.
Voeckler in the yellow jersey just follows, he's dropped Frank Schleck and he's riding towards the podium, as back in the bunch Roche is dropped. Cunego is back in the bunch with Frank Schleck.
And Burgy drops back from the break and he'll work for Evans here, if he can. Evans will want to distance Frank Schleck, here's the perfect chance.
Contador, out the saddle again, stamps on the pedals and goes passed Greipel and Burghardt.
Liquigas still setting the tempo on the front of the bunch. The gap to the Contador group around 15 seconds.
Cav, Hushovd, Cancellara, all dropped.
The gap might be small but Contador is still pressing on, still setting the pace, and still putting a lot of riders under immense pressure.
87km remaining from 109km
Evans has cracked. he thinks it's his bike but it's his legs.
Voeckler has been dropped too and Contador now just has Andy with him.
And now a bike change for Evans. Is the Tour slipping away from the Australian?
Voeckler is still out there on his own and chasing Schleck and Contador. Surely he should sit up and wait, and then use his teammates.
Contador has now caught the break and he's ripping right through them. Flecha can't believe what he's seeing.
Voeckler weaving all over the road, but he's digging in and digging in some more. This is proving to be an epic stage of the Tour already. Evans is 1:07 down on Contador.
I think Contador has just gone passed CN's Scott Longstaff, who is out there on the road side.
Evans has dropped his teammate and he's alone on the road, Contador still on the attack, Schleck does look comfortable on his wheel but there's still a long way to go.
Contador has 32 seconds on yellow an 1:10 on the bunch.
Evans is now back with the Basso group. Cunego and Frank Schleck are there too.
83km remaining from 109km
Contador eases slightly as the leaders go over the top of the climb. It's a short descent before they start the Galibier.
And it's Contador drilling it on the descent. He's doing all the work, he's asking other riders from the break who dont have GC ambitions to help him, but so far nothing.
78km remaining from 109km
And now we're on the Galibier, and we're going up the hard way. It ramps up to 6-9 per cent for most of the climb but has a 10 per cent section soon and then another near the top of the climb.
Voeckler has left Pineau and it looks like Voeckler is will sit up. He's got 24 seconds on the bunch and he's got teammates there.
It's a long climb, a long descent as well but Contador is staring straight ahead, occasionally looking down at his computer, and he's dropping more and more riders from the break. He'll be alone with Schleck soon, surely.
Voeckler is still persisting, 32 seconds ahead of the bunch.
74km remaining from 109km
Voeckler catches a group containing Flecha and the Spaniard takes a huge pull for the Frenchman. Now that's not very patriotic Mr Flecha.
Voeckler is playing an interesting game here. he's not waiting for the bunch, instead he's sifting through the remnants of the break and using them to drag him closer to the Contador group.
It's 1:39 now between Contador and the bunch.
And the KOM leader has now been dropped from the peloton, just as BMC hit the front for Evans.
Voeckler is pulling time back on Contador and co. The gap is 25 seconds.
The Frenchman is gritting his teeth, hands on the hoods and out of the saddle. Whatever the outcome in Paris, this has surely been Voeckler's Tour de France.
Contador again asks Schleck to work and the Luxembourger comes through and takes a steady turn.
He might look in trouble but he's coming back to Contador, slowly, but he's doing it.
69km remaining from 109km
1:52 between Contador and the peloton. The gap is going up and the break is down to four: Contador, Costa, Riblon and Schleck
Contador looks down the mountain to see where the field is and then turns his back towards the road. The climb jumps up onto a much steeper section and BMC are setting the pace but the gap is slowly creeping up.
The long descent of the Galibier, that's going to be just as vital as one of these climbs. It will favour the bunch, so Contador has to keep the pressure on.
Evans is down to just two teammates.
Voeckler is putting time into the peloton.
151, the white jersey is suffering and he's been dropped by the BMC led bunch. No sign of Rolland or Uran.
Andy Schleck takes another turn on the front, as BMC blow and now Evans has to do it all over again and set the pace, Frank Schleck sitting comfortably on his wheel.
Vande Velde dropped, and Evans has reduced the bunch to less than 20 riders, Basso looks to be slipping back slightly, Evans is reducing the gap to Contador, it's 1:28 now.
Voeckler is waiting for Evans and this is all playing into the hands of The Schleck.
Voeckler sits in on Frank Schleck's wheel, Rolland just behind him and Basso is cracking, he's slipping and slipping and he's gone. Already 10 bike lengths off Evans.
Evans is closing the gap, it's 1:08 now but he's using so much energy to do it. Basso has made it back to the Evans' group.
64km remaining from 109km
Casar, Hesjedal, Cunego, Jeannesson, Casar, Basso and Frank Schleck are all in the chase group.
Danielson, Velits, and Rolland are also in the chase group as well. Rolland riding into the white jersey.
The gap is now 1:08 but Sanchez has attacked the yellow jersey group. He wants the mountains points on offer at the top of the climb.
Europcar is leading the chase but it's not fast enough and Evans has attacked and Voeckler has blown. it's all over for Voeckler and Rolland has left him, he's clearly racing for white.
Evans about to catch Sanchez but he only has Frank and Rolland with him, Danielson, Cunego, Basso have all been dropped. Basso is way, way back.
Evans has reduced the gap to Contador to just 42 seconds.
The Australian attacked on one of the hardest sections of the climb and Voeckler is screaming at his teammates that they're riding too fast. There's nothing he can do other than wait for the descent and try and recover.
61km remaining from 109km
Voeckler gets a new bottle and then throws it to the ground. He's not happy, not happy at all. Yellow is slipping through his fingers.
Contador is leading on the descent, he'd love Sanchez with him but he's going to have to do it all on his own. The Evans group is at 34 seconds so it's possible that it could all reform at the bottom of Alpe d'Huez.
57km remaining from 109km
Cunego has made it back to the Evans group. Contador has 1:48 on Voeckler but Evans is still closing, the gap 30 seconds.
Sanchez is catching the leaders but Evans isn't too far behind either. It's all coming back together.
Basso is chasing, he has Fuggles on his wheel but it doesn't look good for the Italian. Thomas, meanwhile is in the group with Voeckler and Leipheimer.
51km remaining from 109km
Sanchez is just 100 meters down on the Contador group, that will help Contador a lot on the descent, as I'm sure they'll work together.
And Sanchez makes the lead group. He'll move right to the front and set the pace.
Basso in 1 minute behind the Evans group. Cunego could be top five by the end of the day.
43km remaining from 109km
Casar is setting the pace in the Evans group but that's for Jeannesson who is also in the group and riding for the green jersey. Rolland And Velits are both in the group too.
Frank Schleck goes back to the Leopard car, picks up a bottle, checks his hair and grabs a gel.
This is where Voeckler can make a last stand, in between the Galibier and the final climb. He has to bring all the groups back though, and it's going to be so so tough, but he has all his men on the front chasing.
Evans looks so strong. He's brought the gap down to 28 seconds. Garmin are pitching in with a few turns, while at 1:45 are Europcar. Basso have been caught by the yellow jersey.
Ag2R area chasing with Europcar, because they need to bring the Garmin duo back. Both those teams are fighting for the team classification.
The gap is 18 seconds. It's coming back together. Will Andy Schleck attack before Evans comes across?
25km remaining from 109km
And now they're all looking at each other and waiting. Movistar drive the pace, perhaps to affect Cav's chances. Voeckler is at 1:21 so they're coming back too.
Casar working for the white jersey competition so Cofidis now help Europcar in the chase group. So much to play for and Rolland attacks. Jeannesson has to respond and tries to. It looks like Sanchez has also attacked.
Costa attacks as well, while the Schlecks sit back and have a word with each other. And now Evans attacks with Sanchez.
Evans has been put on the back foot so many times in the last few days but now he's attacking. His move has been brought back though.
21km remaining from 109km
Rolland still leads the race, Ryder H is coming across to him though. Riblon, Costa and Jeannesson in the second group, just ahead of the main favourites.
Frank Schleck is setting the pace. They need to drop Evans. The time they both have over him isn't enough heading into tomorrow's time trial.
Rolland and Hesjedal have 35 seconds but more importantly Voeckler and Basso are now back with the Contador, Evans and Schleck group. Great fightback from the Frenchman.
13km remaining from 109km
And an attack it's Fuggles and Leopard are trying to blow the race apart. Voeckler is with Frank and Andy.
Evans has dropped the Schleck so Fuggles has to ease up.
He's only gone and done a Beltran!
Evans has Mollema on his wheel but riders are being dropped, Chavanel, the white, jersey, Voigt. all dropped.
Evans being dragged back but Voeckler is in trouble again, he's losing contact and with that the yellow jersey.
And Contador is going again.
The Leopards dont need to chase but they do.
Andy Schleck is closing the gap. Contador came around the outside and from a long way back and Evans is being dropped. Contador is ripping the race apart again. Evans I think is on Andy Schleck's wheel. Yep, there he is. He can sit there.
There's a small re-grouping in the Schleck group as Contador goes up to Rolland. Evans sitting behind Andy and he's on the limit. No sign of Frank Schleck.
Frank Schleck is back with Sanchez and Cunego. Sanchez is setting the pace, but we're still a long way from the finish, anything can still happen and Contador drops Rolland at last.
10km remaining from 109km
Andy Schleck having to do all the work. He really just needs to worry about Evans. Contador isn't a threat, he's only 28 seconds ahead at the moment.
As Contador goes through the 10km to go banner. The gradient has eased slightly and more and more riders drag themselves up to the Evans, Schleck group. Cunego, Velits, Sanchez all there.
Contador is right on the edge of his saddle, out of the saddle, then back down again has he tries to find the pace he needs.
Voeckler is 1:46 down on Contador and the Spaniard is now 46 seconds ahead of Schleck and Evans. Contador for the podium still?
And Velits jumps off the front of the favourites' group, and Sanchez goes after him.
The Schlecks need to test Evans more than they are. They can't afford to wait for the TT.
Frank Schleck is setting the pace, followed by Evans and then Andy.
And Andy takes over, as up ahead Contador is ripping the race apart. He's now 52 ahead of the Schleck group.
As Rolland is caught by Sanchez. Voeckler is nearly 3 minutes down.
7km remaining from 109km
As Danielson makes it up to the Schleck group, while Contador goes through Dutch corner - one of the most amazing sights in pro cycling.
Contador still looks good. Incredible turn around from yesterday's performance when he couldn't hold the wheel of all his main rivals.
Contador still looks good. Incredible turn around from yesterday's performance when he couldn't hold the wheel of all his main rivals.
And Frank Schleck takes up the pace. They're putting time into Bsso, into Voeckler and into Danielson but the man they're aiding right now is Evans. They need to attack him on this climb. Can they do it?
So on the road we have Contador, then Rolland and Sanchez at 18, then Velits and De Gendt at 40 and the Schleck group at 56
Here is today's trivia question in the Easton/Cyclingnews Tour de
France Trivia Challenge: What was the narrowest margin by which the Tour was won?
You are entered for the random drawing for prizes by filling in your answer here - http://easton.cyclingnews.com/. Good luck
Fans are really close to Contador. He punches one - dressed as a doctor - in the face. If only CAS cases were settled in such ways.
Voeckler makes it into a group with Vande Velde but Sanchez and Rolland are catching Contador. They're just 19 seconds down.
4km remaining from 109km
Sanchez is leading Rolland all the way up to Contador. Sanchez asks Rolland to come through but the Frenchman doesn't even flinch.
Contador has 1:11 on the Schleck group and Sanchez is easing slightly, trying to get Rolland to come through and work.
Contador is going backwards, can a Frenchman win on the Alpe?
And Cunego attacks.
Andy Schleck is setting the pace but more riders have attacked that group than gone backwards. Cunego attacking in case basso comes back.
And Evans attacks from behind and Rolland attacks too and he has a gap.
Andy Shleck has gone with Evans and they're catching Cunego. Evans looks back to see Andy Schleck there and then goes again as Rolland is clear, Contador and Sanchez have both blown.
2km remaining from 109km
And Evans goes again. Schleck straight onto this wheel.
1km remaining from 109km
He'll take the stage and almost certainly the white jersey as well.
As Sanchez drops Contador.
The French haven't won a stage but they've done it now.
Sanchez takes second, Contador third.
Behind Andy Schleck tries one more time but Evans crosses the line perhaps a second or two ahead of the Leopard rider. Cunego , Velits, De Gendt also in that group.
Confirmed. Rolland will take white, Basso comes over the line 2:08 down. Not bad considering he was struggling all day.
Voeckler will come home and the crowd cheer him home. He's still fighting but yellow will not be on his shoulders tonight. A brave last ditch performance but Europcar still have the stage and white to celebrate.
So Andy Schleck will be in yellow:
Sanchez the first ride to congratulate Rolland on the stage win.
Sanchez the first ride to congratulate Rolland on the stage win.
1 Pierre Rolland (Fra) Team Europcar 3:13:25
2 Samuel Sanchez Gonzalez (Spa) Euskaltel-Euskadi 0:00:14
3 Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Saxo Bank Sungard 0:00:23
4 Peter Velits (Svk) HTC-Highroad 0:00:57
5 Cadel Evans (Aus) BMC Racing Team
6 Thomas De Gendt (Bel) Vacansoleil-DCM Pro Cycling Team
7 Damiano Cunego (Ita) Lampre - ISD
8 Fränk Schleck (Lux) Leopard Trek
9 Andy Schleck (Lux) Leopard Trek
10 Ryder Hesjedal (Can) Team Garmin-Cervelo 0:01:15
So after today's epic stage we'll go into the final TT of the race to decide the winner of this year's Tour de France. The favourite, Evans who was immense, again today. He's less than a minute down on Andy Schleck who will wear yellow in tomorrow's stage.
1km remaining from 109km
Contador: Yesterday wasn't a good day, and the last ks I felt very bad. Maybe because this Tour was hard for me with the problem in my knee. Today I wanted to attack, I decided in the morning in the hotel. In the first km of the climb I attacked. I didn't get the win but I am happy with the stage.
Sanchez now moves into the KOM jersey. Nygaard on tv saying 'anything is possible'.
And Cavendish comes to the line, outside of the time limit but the group is huge - they should be fine. Cav's biggest rival, Rojas is there too, that's good news for the HTC sprinter.
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