If the riders have not had a chance to enjoy the scenery then now is the time to pick their head up off their handlebars and look around.  Annecy has not been a part of the Tour since 1959 and this year it will host the final 40km time trial around Lake Annecy.  Lake Annecy is the second largest lake in France and is about 14km long. Around the lake is a bike path but the riders will be racing on the undulating roads including the Cote de Super Tallories and the smaller Col de Bluffy.  On their way in and out of the city they will pass by Annecy’s Chateau’s, arched bridges dating to the 17th century, the European Gardens, and the Imperial palace.

In the final time trial of the Tour we have had multiple winners over the years.  In 2008 Stefan Schumacher won but later was disqualified giving Fabian Cancellera the honor. Then counting down the years we have Levi Leipheimer, Serguei Gonchar, and a run of final time trial wins by Lance Armstrong from 2005-1999. That consecutive streak was only broken for one year when David Millar won in 2003. Going further back Jan Ullrich won in 1998 and 1996 with Abraham Olano winning in 1997.

Normally the final TT is the last showdown between the riders who have a chance to win the Tour de France.  This year that will all change because of the inclusion of Mont Ventoux on stage 20.