The penultimate day of Le Tour has arrived! A 52km time trial over a flat course from Bordeaux to Paulliac and back. With a rider being released from the start gate every 2.5 minutes, we watched the early riders work their way through the streets of Bourdeaux on the first part of the course. A police motorcycle escort, followed by a rider, followed by a support car. The gendarmes on every street corner were jumping on anyone getting near the road. Spectators were out early in bunches along the route but not crowded.
In Rue Vital Carles we found a cafe facing the road's edge and watched the riders pass in their intervals. Some were working hard (they had some sort of mission for the day even though bringing up the rear of the field), others were just turning the legs over (the race was already over for them). We saw Oscar Freire and then Cancellara pass, before moving on.
Our plan had been to ride out to around the half-way mark of the course (outside Bordeaux), relax there a while and then come back in for the finish. But it was all too hard to move with the city roads in lock-down and the effects of constant cycling left us feeling shagged. So we took the easy option and headed back to the hotel. Some of us spent time taking in parts of the city on foot, while others watched TV. I managed to fit in some much needed sleep.
By the time the stage got to its climax, Schleck and Contador were on the course at the same time. Schleck started eating into the 8 second deficit he had with Contador, but after the half-way point began to lag, only to end up more than 50 seconds back. He had ridden well by comparison, but spent his best in the early part and couldn't peg back Contador's advantage. Contador was not as strong in time trialling as others in the field today - he finished 43rd. But it matters not, he has the yellow jersey and tomorrow is a celebration ride into Paris with all riders respecting the standings. Contador is the 2010 TDF winner, although far from popular with the crowds and other riders. Some suspect drugs, others question his sportsmanship.
In between following the race, I spent some time wandering the streets taking pictures and sampling shops. I found my way into the Musee Des Beaux Arts and took in an exhibition of French and Dutch paintings over the period from the fifteenth to early twentieth century. The paintings had strong religious, romantic and some impressionist influences - altogether very profound and provoking. Another day in France comes to a close.
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