Tour de France

Contador set to win as Garate takes 20th stage

Article published on the 2009-07-25 Latest update 2009-07-25 15:48 TU

Astana rider and leader's yellow jersey holder Alberto Contador of Spain (R) cycles with team mate Lance Armstrong of the US (L)
(Photo: Reuters)

The Tour de France's 20th and penultimate stage has been won by Spaniard Juan Manuel Garate, virtually assuring his countryman Alberto Contador his second Tour crown.

On the third and final summit of the race the 2007 champion held off a series of attacks from his main rival Andy Schleck, on the 21km climb to the summit of Mont Ventoux.

Schleck began the day in second overall at four minute eleven seconds behind Contador. Despite his efforts he will go into Sunday's final stage to Paris with the same deficit after finishing nearly 40 seconds behind Garate with Contador.

America's seven-time champion Lance Armstrong eventually finished the stage just behind in fifth place at 41 seconds behind Garate. That means he will go into tomorrow's last stage virtually assured of finishing on the podium for the top three.

1. Alberto Contador (Spain) 81h46:17.

2. Andy Schleck (Luxembourg) à 4:11.

3. Lance Armstrong (USA) 5:24.

4. Bradley Wiggins (UK) 6:01.

5. Frank Schleck (Luxembourg) 6:04.

6. Andreas Klöden (Germany) 6:42.

7. Vincenzo Nibali (Italy) 7:35.

8. Christian Vande Velde (USA) 12:04.

9. Roman Kreuziger (Czech Republic) 14:16.

10. Christophe Le Mével (France) 14:25.