Juan Manuel Garate captures the Giant of Provence

July 26, 2009

Juan Manuel Garate captures the Giant of Provence

The second last day of a tour was full of surprises and some great riding. The two opportunists took away the glory of the final climb from the General Category riders. Team Rabobank got its first stage victory of the tour when Spanish rider Juan Manuel Garate crossed the line first at Mont Ventoux, he was closely followed by the German rider Tony Martin from Team Colombia-HTC. They both managed to cross the line 38 sec ahead of the tour leader.

Also there was great display of riding skills by the while jersey leader Andy Schleck. He is an amazing young rider and will be a great star in future tours. Though his work to get elder brother and teammate Frank went to vain as the old tour horse Lance Armstrong made sure that he is lined up for a podium finish tomorrow in Paris.

The 167 Kilometer stage from Montelimar to Mont Ventoux and was considered to set the tone for the final day. There were two intermediate sprints Les Pilles at 48 kilometers and Mormoiron at 138.5 kilometers. The stage also had five climbs. The cote de Citelle a category-3 at 14 kilometers, col d’Ey a catagory-3 at 65.5 kilometers, col de Fontaube a category-4 at 87 kilometers, col des Abeilles a catagory-3 at 121.5 kilometers and the most dreaded of all the the hors category at the finish at Mont Ventoux which is 1912 meters above sea level. Mont Ventoux has a 10% plus gradient on its ascent and riders had to face winds of upto 40 km/h.

It is now clear that Spanish rider Alberto Contador of Team Astana is sure to take this year tour victory and will carry his yellow jersey on the final day. Andy Schleck is most likely to take the second podium spot in Paris followed by Lance Armstrong. Team started the tour with the goal of finishing as the No.1 team and the have achieved it and are certain to carry it to Paris. Tho Hushovd has just won a single stage but he will continue to wear his green jersey on the last day of the tour.