Given the differences in the general classification, the Tour will not be played, like last year, on the final time trial the day before the finish on the Champs-Élysées, between Libourne and Saint-Emilion (30, 8 km), this Saturday.
But places of honor are at stake.
The eye of Thierry Gouvenou, the technical director of the event
“It's still a little flatter than in the Laval time trial.
It really is for riders.
At the end of the 3rd week, the gaps are less marked between the riders and those who play the general classification.
The route was not too difficult to establish even if one or two railway lines bothered me a bit (smiles).
Visually, it will be magnificent we will take full eyes in the middle of the vines and can be full of nostrils too!
"
The emergence of Bernard Hinault in 1978
First round and first blow of brilliance.
On July 7, 1978, during the 8th time trial stage between Saint-Emilion and Sainte-Foy-la-Grande, Bernard Hinault struck a blow, at 23, dominating everyone.
This is the first major test with a time of more than 59 km on a course ideal for complete runners.
The Breton finishes with a bang, wins with 34 ′ 'ahead of the Belgian Joseph Bruyère, and is placed in 4th place at 3′32 ′' of the latter in the general.
Two weeks later, Hinault will be crowned on the Champs-Élysées.
A time trial for the places of honor
If Tadej Pogacar is already out of reach of his pursuers with more than five minutes in advance in the general classification, the fight promises to be interesting for the order of places behind him.
Dane Jonas Vingegaard, second, is only 6 ′ 'ahead of Ecuadorian Richard Carapaz.
The Australian Ben O'Connor, 4th, is 32 ′ 'ahead of the Dutch Wilco Kelderman and Guillaume Martin will try to save his 8th place while his lead over the 9th, Peio Bilbao, is 1′2 ′'.
Our prognosis
Switzerland's Stefan Küng (Groupama-FDJ) struggled to digest his defeat against Tadej Pogacar in the first time trial in Laval.
He has eased off in recent days and he should be able to dominate the yellow jersey who fear nothing in the general classification.