2009 Tour de France stage 20 results: Manuel Garate wins stage

July 25, 9:38 AMSeattle Endurance Sports ExaminerLynne Butler

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 2009 Tour de France stage 20 results Garate wins stage AP/L. Rebours

Mont Ventoux was the last big chance for riders to write their own history in the 2009 Tour de France before the final ride through the city of Paris on Sunday. Manuel Garate of Rabobank rode ahead of the leaders during one of the most difficult climbing routes in the tour, winning stage 20 in 4 hours, 39 minutes, 21 seconds. 

• View highlights from stage 20

Fans came out expecting a great showdown today and weren’t disappointed. The 167 km stage began in Montelimar and finished on the top of Mont Ventoux. Tony Martin of Columbia-Highroad stayed with Garate, finishing 2nd, 3 seconds later. Andy Schleck of Saxo Bank, who was in a secondary group of riders finished third, 38 seconds behind Garate. Contador and Armstrong finished 4th and 5th. Franco Pellizotti of Liquigas rode with the top ten, finishing 8th, only 56 seconds behind Garate.

At 25 km to go, a sixteen man group led by Astana took control during heavy crosswinds, splitting the peloton. As the ride became more grueling, the breakaway group became smaller with just three riders left at the 3 km mark. Andy Schleck of Saxo Bank, currently second overall tried to dislodge Lance Armstrong over and over again, throwing all kinds of moves and attacks at the group. Armstrong would have none of it, counter attacking every move Schleck made with his trademark steely determination.

The stars have aligned for the riders you’ll see on the podium in Paris on Sunday. But it takes more than luck to win the race. It requires an incredibly competitive spirit and the ability to ignore pain while riding through all kinds of challenging terrain, weather and road conditions, maintaining the highest level of endurance and skill as a sprinter, climber and time trialist.

Alberto Contador, Andy Schleck and Lance Armstrong have persistently defended their positions as the three top dogs in the general classification. Bradley Wiggins of Garmin-Slipstream has ridden with distinction, holding on to fourth place overall. Roman Kreuziger of LIquigas has moved up to ninth place overall.

The final stage of the 2009 Tour de France is a sprinter's showcase. The stage begins in Montereau-Fault-Yonne, travels over a distance of 164 km and ends with a Champs-Elysees sprint in Paris. Look for more excitement from Mark Cavendish, Thor Hushovd and Tyler Farrar.

Overall Standings after Stage 20 (Top 10):

1. Alberto Contador (ESP), Astana, 81:46:17
2. Andy Schleck (LUX), Saxo Bank, +4:11
3. Lance Armstrong (USA), Astana, +5:24
4. Bradley Wiggins (GBR) Garmin-Slipstream, +6:01
5. Frank Schleck (LUX), Saxo Bank, +6:04
6. Andreas Kloden (GER) Astana, +6:42
7. Vincenzo Nibali (ITA), Liquigas, +7:35
8. Christian Vande Velde (USA), Garmin-Slipstream, +12:04
9. Roman Kreuziger (CZE), Liquigas, +14:16
10. Christophe Le Mevel (FRA), Francaise Des Jeux, +14:25