Stage 19 - The Race of Truth.

Bordeaux - Pauillac, 51 km

Individual Time Trial

This is the only time-trial stage of the 2010 edition. The route will wind its way through the streets of Bordeaux for fifteen kilometres, with avenues and buildings to shelter the riders. Then suddenly, they will leave the city and arrive in the open countryside, this should make for beautiful vision amidst the vineyards and famous landmarks of the Haut Médoc wine-making region, passing one château after another.

The race of truth.  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.  ITTs late in the Tour often feature the GC contenders that have time trialling ability, they are in form, the hills dont hurt as much and have been preparing for this stage.  Contador will fly here - all he has to do is beat Schleck and he is a three time Tour winner. Schleck will be out to do the race of his life, but barring a mechanical i cant see him beating Contador.  Menchov can TT brilliantly when he is on, should jump into 3rd ahead of Sanchez all going well.  Leipheimer, Krueziger & Vinokourov all have fair TT ability and will want to improve their positions as well. Wiggins, Armstrong, Rogers and Martin are all great time triallers but may not have the legs to perform here although Wiggins said a few days ago he had switched his focus. 

Contador or Cancellara for me with a big performance from Schleck - but not enough to win.