Versus | Tour de France

Kings of the Mountain

By JoE Silva
It’s not like the steep gradient wasn’t enough, or that the fight for the GC had been intense and ridden with drama, but as the pro peloton headed out towards the beast of a climb that is Mont
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Stage 20 Preview

By Paul Sherwen
There is nothing else to be said about this legendary stage as it's all about the Mont Ventoux.
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About Stage 20: Montélimar > Mont Ventoux

MONTÉLIMAR
The Tour’s only finish in Montélimar, in 2006, was decisive for the race’s outcome. A group of four riders broke away and reached the finish line with a 29’50’’ lead over the pack. One of them, Jens Voigt won the stage, while another, Oscar Pereiro, took the Yellow Jersey. He lost it in the last time-trial but won it back after Floyd Landis was downgraded.

MONT VENTOUX
Jacques Goddet called Mont Ventoux “a gigantic upside-down top measuring 21 kilometres around at the base”. The highest point in Provence has always been a key moment in the race. This is where Bobet outdistanced Gaul in 1955, partly ensuring his third title; the Luxembourg rider got even with him three years later. In 1970 Eddy Merckx suffered and passed out at the top. Armstrong lost here to Pantani in 2000 and Virenque in 2002. But no rider has ever won this stage twice. Ventoux is unbeatable.

Montelimar to Mont Ventoux, 167km

By Frankie Andreu
Without a doubt this is the grandest stage of this year’s Tour de France. Mt Ventoux has been a part of the Tour 13 times but never in such a decisive manner. It’s also never had a mountain top finish so close to the end of the race. It will be the end all, take all, for whoever can conquer this mountain first.
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City Facts
MONTÉLIMAR
• 1-time stage-town
• Population 34,000
• County town of Drôme canton (26)
MONT VENTOUX
• 7-time stage finish
• The highest point in Provence, culminating at 1,912 metres
• 20 kilometres from Carpentras
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Beautiful Provence

By Bob Roll
On today's stage of the Tour de France we find ourselves in the region of Provence. Provence is absolutely spectacular. It's noted for its lavender farms and great vineyards. The bike race traveled on the tours most difficult stage today, up to the top of Mont Ventoux.
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Map My Ride Challenge

Birthday Ritual

Production Credentials

By Leslie Varsha
Last year, Lance Armstrong’s team director, Johan Bruyneel sang happy birthday to me in Flemish at the Versus lunch tent along with some of our Belgian crew members
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Newsflashes - Stage 20

16:38:15 - The Top Five Overall...

The top five on general classification after the penultimate stage of the 2009 Tour de France is:

1. Alberto Contador

2. Andy Schleck at 4'11"

3. Lance Armstrong at 5'24"

4. Bradley Wiggins at 6'01"

5. Frank Schleck at 6'04"

16:32:46 - The Top 10 In Stage 20

Rabobank has finally won a stage of the 2009 Tour de France and what a one to win! Juan Manuel Garate has claimed his first victory at the Tour. The top 10 in the 20th stage is:

1. Juan Manuel Garate (ESP) RAB - 167km in 4h39'21" (35.869km/h)

2. Tony Martin (GER) THR - at 3"

3. Andy Schleck (LUX) SAX - 38"

4. Alberto Contador (ESP) AST - at 38"

5. Lance Armstrong (USA) AST - at 41"

6. Frank Schleck (LUX) SAX - at 43"

7. Roman Kreuziger (CZE) LIQ - at 46"

8. Franco Pellizotti (ITA) LIQ - at 56"

9. Vincenzo Nibali (ITA) LIQ - at 58"

10. Bradley Wiggins (GBR) GRM - at 1'03"

16:32:04 - Andy Schleck Gets Third

Andy Schleck has led an elated Contador over the line for third place...

16:31:29 - Garate Gets The Win!

Garate has attacked Martin on the last turn and taken victory on the Ventoux.

16:29:58 - Two Lead By 42"

Martin and Garate are 42" ahead of Pellizotti and 48" ahead of the yellow jersey's group which has just disposed of Nibali.

16:29:12 - Martin Catches Garate

Martin has ridden back to Garate and the pair are together again at the front of the stage.

16:28:29 - Wiggins Dropped Again

The latest acceleration from Andy Schleck has dropped Wiggins but Contador, Armstrong, Frank and Kreuziger have been able to respond to the younger Schleck.

16:27:34 - Garate Goes Alone!

Garate has attacked the lead and is now 1km from the top. He is on his own and racing towards what could be his first stage win in the Tour de France.

16:26:33 - Andy Attacks Again!

Andy Schleck has attacked for the eighth time on the climb. He has almost crashed into a motorcycle he attacked so quickly. Contador and Armstrong have been able to respond.

16:24:41 - Two Lead Yellow Jersey By 55"

Could it be that the escape artists are going to have the last laugh today? Garate and Martin have a lead of 45" on Pellizotti and 55" on the yellow jersey's group that contains Andy Schleck, Frank Schleck, Armstrong, Contador, Wiggins, Kreuziger and Nibali...