Alejandro Valverde hung on for a stage win at Peyragudes by just 19 seconds from Chris Froome and Bradley Wiggins. Indeed if Froome hadn't been under team orders to stay with Bradley it is very likely that Froome would have caught the tiring Spaniard before the line. This is Valverde's first major win since returning from suspension for doping.
Bradley Wiggins now looks virtually assured to win the Tour with Chris Froome in second place as the two Sky riders again put time into all of their rivals with Vincenzo Nibali cracking a little on the final climb. All that remains is a rather lumpy stage tomorrow to Brive le Gaillard, Saturday's time trial, which Wiggins is likely to win and then the procession into Paris on Sunday. Vincenzo Nibali looks pretty secure for third spot on the podium. With one finger crossed what a great achievement by Bradely Wiggins, Chris Froome and the Sky Team!
Bradley Wiggins still leads Chris Froome by 2.05, followed by Vincenzo Nibali (2.41), Jurgen Van den Broeck (5.53), Tejay Van Garderen (8.30), Cadel Evans (9.57), Haimar Zubeldia (10.11 - Haimar lost time today slipping behind Evans, who also lost some time but not so much), Pierre Rolland (10.17), Janez Brajkovic (11.00) and Thibaut Pinot (11.46).
Thomas Voeckler did another great competitive ride today and made sure that he will wear the King of the Mountains Jersey to Paris. Tejay Van Garderen looks to be sure of the White Jersey too as he has an advantage of more than three minutes from Thibaut Pinot.
Thomas Voeckler did another great competitive ride today and made sure that he will wear the King of the Mountains Jersey to Paris. Tejay Van Garderen looks to be sure of the White Jersey too as he has an advantage of more than three minutes from Thibaut Pinot.
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