A lumpy time trial course caught a few of the time trial experts off guard slightly during stage 9 but as expected many of those out of GC contention took advantage of this stage as an extra rest day. Non more than Peter Sagan who looked as if he didn’t even break a sweat while riding round the 41km course. World time trialling champion Tony Martin set the benchmark early in the day, but a puncture broke the pace of the German rider thus not allowing him to reach his full potential. Cancellarra was the time to beat for much of the day but it was Team Sky who dominated when they hit the road with Wiggins taking the stage victory and Froome in second. Cadel came 6th and saw a gap of 10 seconds stretch to almost two minutes in the GC standings, Chris Froome moves into 3rd place overall as the riders enjoy a well deserved rest today.

 

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tnGDnRj__NQ]

 

  1. Bradley Wiggins (Sky Procycling)
  2. Christopher Froome (GBr) Sky Procycling
  3. Fabian Cancellara (Swi) RadioShack-Nissan

 

No stage preview today as the riders get a chance to catch their breath in Mâcon as the peloton hangs up its cleats for a day of rest and relaxation. An area of fine wine and a friendly atmosphere is promised by the Mâcon tourist brochure for those who haven’t been competing in the Tour for the last 11 days. For the riders it will be time to re-patch their road rash and rest some weary legs before they head for the big boy hills, and when I say hills I mean the big mountains.

Nostalgic TdF

Here we have a shot from the 1975 Tour de France featuring Bernard Thevenet and the great Eddy Merckx.

If you’re feeling inspired by the Tour why not check out our offer on 2012 team kit with our current team bundle offers.

 



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A hub of reviews, advice and news from the online road cycling experts at ProBikeKit.