Tour de France stage nine as it happened

Bradley Wiggins wins stage nine of the Tour de France, leading home a British one-two ahead of Chris Froome.

9 July 2012 Last updated at 16:05 GMT

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As it happened

In Summary

  • Bradley Wiggins claims first stage win
  • Extends lead to one minute 53 seconds
  • Cadel Evans remains second overall
  • Britain's Chris Froome up to third
Reporting by
  • Chris Bevan, BBC Sport
  1. 1653:  

    It's time for me to go but the smile won't leave my face for a while yet. What a day that was for British cycling, and what a performance that was by Bradley Wiggins and Chris Froome. Thanks for keeping me company throughout the last few hours and, after we all get our breath back on Tuesday's rest day, I hope to see you again in the mountains on Wednesday. Cheerio for now.

  2.  

    Martin Hutchinson on Twitter: "That was a superhuman effort by Wiggins, surely a good bet for the double of TDF and Olympic glory."

    Now, now... one step at a time please! Let's get Wiggo to Paris in yellow first!‪

  3.  

    Stuart in Swindon: "Have to expect a Cadel attack in the mountains but if he (Wiggins) comes out of the moutains with his lead intact as I think he will then I think Britain will have its winner in the tour."

  4.  

    From Jack: "Are we witnessing the heyday of British cycling? GB have dominated the velodrome, have the current world champion and so far so good in Le Tour!"

  5. 1650:  

    Bradley Wiggins, after dominating the stage nine time trial to extend his overall lead in the Tour de France: "We have had two tough days and time-trialing is what I do best. I know exactly the routine what I need to do. I felt great from the first pedal stroke and I knew I was in for a good one.

    "This is what we have trained for. The graft during the winter, missing the kid's birthday having been at training camps, this is what it is for. To get the stage win is fantastic."

  6.  

    David in Horndean, Hampshire: "A brilliant day for British cycling and Wiggo and Froome in particular. I was lucky enough to see 2 stages this year with my wife and 2 sons. A fantastic experience that is hard to imagine unless you are there."

  7. 1646:  
    Yellow Jersey ,

    Just time to update you on the overall standings before I depart. They look pretty good from a British point of view, don't they?

    1. Bradley Wiggins (GBR/Team Sky) 39 hours 09 min 20 sec

    2. Cadel Evans (Aus/BMC) +1 min 53 sec

    3. Chris Froome (GBR/Team Sky) +2 min 07 sec

  8. 1645:  

    Britain's Chris Froome, who sits third overall after a superb effort in the stage nine time trial: "There is no tactics in something like today. This is by far the hardest event in cycling. You just have to go as fast as you can and turn yourself inside out to get the best time. It is good to know you are on track for a good time, but you have to be careful you do not overcook it so it is a fine line to gauge that effort.

    "I am really happy with today and I went hard at it. That is all I can do. I know I haven't won so there are no big celebrations, but there will be for Bradley."

  9. 1643:  

    I don't think Bradley Wiggins' day could have gone much better and I also think he will enjoy his rest day tomorrow. Chris Froome and every member of Team Sky will do the same.

  10. 1640:  

    So, a Team Sky and Gerat Britain one-two from the first time trial of this year's Tour. Who saw that coming? Not me... Anyway, here's a reminder of the final 1-2-3:

    1. Bradley Wiggins (GBR/Team Sky) 51 min 24 sec

    2. Chris Froome (GBR/Team Sky) +35 seconds

    2. Fabian Cancellara (Swi/Radioshack-Nissan) + 57 seconds

    Britain's David Millar, was 36th fastest (+1 min 58 sec), Stephen Cummings 39th (+2 min 7 sec) and Mark Cavendish was 161st (+6 min 27 sec).

  11.  

    Alan Curr "Totally incredible ride from Bradley Wiggins today. Forget about Evans, to beat Cancellara by nearly a minute is unreal."

  12.  

    Matt Latus on Twitter: "Great performance by ‪#TeamSky‬'s duo of Wiggins and Froome. Can't beat a British 1-2!"

  13.  

    Mark in Berkshire: "Fantastic Wiggo, Brilliant Froome :) "

  14.  
    Graham Jones , Radio 5 live sports extra co-commentator

    "It is a fantastic day for British cycling. I never thought I would see a stage like this. A one-two on the stage podium. Bradley Wiggins just kept going and he is a great at time-trialling. He will have had all the information given to him and he has had a perfect session."

  15. 1633:  
    Yellow Jersey ,

    Amazing. Absolutely amazing. Bradley Wiggins has his first Tour stage win in the bag, clocking 51 minutes, 24 seconds to beat his Team Sky team-mate Chris Froome by 35 seconds.

    Wiggo also has the Tour de France in his pocket, beating his nearest rival Cadel Evans by one minute and 43 seconds today, opening out his overall advantage to one minute and 53 seconds.

  16. 1630:  

    Today belongs to Bradley Wiggins though. Here he comes...

  17. 1627:  

    Cadel Evans approaches the line. He is fighting for second place overall now, and he is going to keep it. The defending champion comes home in 53 minutes and seven seconds, fast enough to stop Chris Froome from leapfrogging him in the General Classification.

  18.  
    Graham Jones , Radio 5 live sports extra co-commentator

    "I am a little bit surprised at the time difference being set by Bradley Wiggins. I thought a minute would have been the maximum over the 40km, but to be nearing the two min mark is astonishing. It will set a real marker for rest of the tour and It will need a big effort from the rest to take the yellow jersey off Wiggins now.

    "It would be about conserving the gaps in the mountains. If they can increase the gap, then they will take it. It wont just be about control, if they get the opportunity to attack they will take it. They have the back-up of Chris Froome now if anything happens to Wiggins such as a crash or illness. Team Sky are in an unbelievably strong position."

  19. 1626:  

    Both Evans and Wiggins are into the last few kilometres now, and let's not forget that Wiggo is going for a first Tour de France stage win as well today. If he doesn't get it, Chris Froome will.

  20. 1622:  

    Wiggo is still looking smooth as you like, more like he has popped out for an afternoon ride than going for the biggest prize in cycling. Evans, in contrast, is out of his saddle and fighting hard to minimalise his losses. That gap is still getting bigger, though.

  21. 1620:  
    Yellow Jersey ,

    Wiggo goes through the 31.5km time check and he is setting a blistering pace. I thought Chris Froome was fast but Wiggins is even faster, clocking 39 minutes and two seconds... that is a minute and four seconds better than Cadel Evans, who is hanging on for dear life.

  22. 1615:  

    Here comes Team Sky's Chris Froome, and he is going to smash this time trial to pieces. He crosses the finish line in 51 minutes and 59 seconds, beating the previous best by Fabian Cancellara by 22 seconds. Simply superb stuff by the British rider.

  23. 1612:  

    Bradley Wiggins is still making easy, almost effortless, progress, while Cadel Evans is battling hard and trying to cut every corner. The Australian's Tour hopes are hanging by a thread. How much time will he lose today?

  24.  
    Graham Jones , Radio 5 live sports extra co-commentator

    "It could come down to selfishness and ambition of Chris Froome. Even before we got to this stage, I thought he should be leading a team of his own but what do you do when you know you are going to drop places? It is not every year you are in a position to win the race. It will be a decision which is left for Froome to make. We are not there at the moment, but this is a luxury back-up that Team Sky have in their locker."

  25. 1609:  

    By the way, Vincenzo Nibali, the Italian who was in third place, 16 seconds down on Bradley Wiggins at the start of the day, is also shipping time to the Team Sky man. Nibali was 57 seconds slower than Wiggo at the first time check.

  26.  

    Stuart in Swindon: "TAKE THAT CADEL EVANS. C'mon Wiggo don't ease up for a second, you're riding yourself into the history books."

  27.  
    Matt Slater , BBC sports news reporter

    On Twitter: "Oh my. Froome & Wiggo 1-2?"

  28.  
    Graham Jones , Radio 5 live sports extra co-commentator

    "Chris Froome has lost a little bit of time in the latest section on Van Garderen but providing he can keep this going, a second placed finish is definitely possible."

  29. 1605:  

    Team Sky are on course to make this a memorable day. Up ahead of him, Wiggo's team-mate Chris Froome is still setting the pace, going through the second time check at 31.5km in 39 minutes and 18 seconds... 20 seconds faster than the previous best set by Tejay van Garderen.

  30. 1602:  
    Yellow Jersey ,

    Here's Bradley Wiggins at the first time check and he is MOTORING. Wiggo is through the 16.5km mark in 21 minutes and 05 seconds, which is four seconds faster than his Team Sky team-mate Chris Froome, and the fastest time of the day.

    Even if he does not lose any more time, Cadel Evans would overall be one minute and 10 seconds behind Wiggo, who will of course still be in yellow, at the end of the day.

  31.  

    Taffy Dirkala on Twitter: "It's not a flat course, thinking Evans can make up ground and even pass Wiggo. Not sure he would want to defend for 2 weeks tho!"

    Mark Swinhoe on Twitter: "Brad will retain yellow today, question is weather he can hack an explosive attack from Evans/Nibali in the Alps/Pyrenees."

  32. 1557:  

    Cadel Evans clocks 22 minutes and seven seconds at the first time check (16.5km). He is only 11th fastest, 56 seconds slower than Chris Froome. Not good news for the Australian so far.

  33. 1555:  

    Cadel Evans is out of his saddle as he climbs through a mass of fans and up to the first official time check. The signs are that Wiggins is taking more and more time out of him, but we will know for sure very shortly...

  34.  
    Graham Jones , Radio 5 live sports extra co-commentator

    "We might have a Wiggins v Froome battle today. It could get a little delicate. Will be interesting to see."

  35. 1554:  

    A weather update for you, and it is good news: Bright sunshine is the order of the day out on the 41.5km course and there is still no sign of the rain that was forecast.

  36. 1552:  

    Wow. The Tour Radio has announced that Wiggins made 20 seconds on Evans in the first 10km, and that gap looks like it has grown. The first time check will tell us more.

  37.  

    From Andy in Cumbernauld: "All the pressure has to be on Evans as defending champion. If he loses big time to Wiggins, then I can't see him coming back at him in the mountains. Team Sky will control the race. Come on Wiggo!!!

  38.  

    Gregg Coull on Twitter: "I'd imagine it will be pretty close between Cadel and Bradley. Can't really see either taking too much time out the other."

  39. 1546:  

    Here we go. Chris Froome has just clocked the best time at the first time check (16.5km), beating Tejay van Garderen's time by 23 seconds. Van Garderen was three seconds faster than Fabian Cancellara at that point, but he faded by finish.

  40. 1547:  

    Apologies, Wiggins is wearing a Tour de France skinsuit, not his Team Sky one. It was the logo on his legs that fooled me. Will it make a difference? Let's hope not...

  41. 1543:  

    No. Tejay van Garderen lost a lot of time in the last couple of kilometres, finishing nine seconds down on Spartacus. Even so, that is some ride by the young American.

  42. 1543:  

    Tejay van Garderen sprints for the line, giving everything he has got. Has he done it?

  43. 1542:  

    Will Tejay van Garderen beat Fabian Cancellara's time? It is going to be awfully close. The American is hurtling towards the finish line, and is into the last kilometre.

  44. 1539:  

    And off goes Bradley Wiggins. The man in yellow rolls down the ramp as race leader and wants to stay that way at the finish.

  45. 1539:  

    A few of you seem to be having problems listening to the 5 live sports extra commentary. Give this page a refresh and click on the link there to get the cycling, rather than cricket.

  46. 1536:  

    Here goes Cadel Evans. The defending champion knows today could decide whether he will defend his title successfully.

  47. 1534:  

    Right, just two riders left at the start: Cadel Evans and Bradley Wiggins. Some 30-odd km down the road, Evans' BMC team-mate Tejay van Garderen was two seconds faster than Fabian Cancellara at the second time check. He is flying.

  48. 1533:  

    Here's a quick 1-2-3 update, with 156 of the 178 riders now home and only three yet to start. Peter Velits has just moved above his Omega Pharma-Quick team-mate Tony Martin into third. All eyes are going to be on Cadel Evans and Bradley Wiggins... plus Tejay van Garderen from now on.

    1. Fabian Cancellara (Swi/Radioshack Nissan) 52 min 21 sec

    2. Sylvain Chavanel (Fra/FDJ) +27 seconds

    2. Peter Velits (Svk/Omega Pharma-Quick) + 1 min 02 sec

    Britain's David Millar, is currently 20th fastest (+1 min 58 sec), Stephen Cummings is 23rd so far (+2 min 7 sec) and Mark Cavendish is 139th (+6 min 27 sec).

  49. 1526:  
    BBC COVERAGE

    A reminder you can also listen to the climax of this time trial on BBC Radio 5 live Sports Extra. Refresh this page to see the link if you cannot see it already.

  50. 1524:  

    Off goes Chris Froome. A lot is expected of the Team Sky man today. Can he deliver?

  51. 1522:  

    Wiggo is warming up, and he is wearing a... yellow Tour de France skinsuit. He's got his headphones in - a bit of Paul Weller?

  52.  

    From Andrew in Sheffield: "I think Wiggins can take around 30 seconds out of Evans today."

  53.  

    Simon in London: "Wiggins won't have to worry about putting his special Sky body suit back on tomorrow because Evans will be wearing the yellow tonight!"

    Sorry Simon. He wouldn't put it on anyway for two reasons: A) it's a rest day tomorrow and B) even if it wasn't they only wear them for time trials.

  54. 1518:  

    Here are the start times for the top six riders in the General Classification listed below. Are you ready? This is going to be rather good...

    Christopher Froome 1524 BST

    Haimar Zubeldia 1527

    Denis Menchov 1530

    Vincenzo Nibali 1533

    Cadel Evans 1536

    Bradley Wiggins 1539

  55. 1516:  

    So far, today has been all about Fabian Cancellara but a 23-year-old American might be about to change all that. Tejay van Garderen has gone through the first time check three seconds quicker than the Swiss. Can he maintain that pace, though?

  56. 1512:  
    Yellow Jersey ,

    Just 10 riders are left at the start. Here's a quick reminder of the top six riders at the top of the General Classification.

    1. Bradley Wiggins (GB) Sky 38 hrs 17 min 56 sec''

    2. Cadel Evans (Aus) BMC Racing +10 sec

    3. Vincenzo Nibali (Ita) Liquigas +16 sec

    4. Denis Menchov (Rus) Katusha +54 sec

    5. Zubeldia Haimar (Lux) RadioShack Nissan +59 sec

    6. Chris Froome (GB) Sky +01 min 32 sec

  57. 1511:  

    We are getting towards the business end of today's time trial... the end that affects the General Classification. Here's the top three at the finish line, but lots of drama to come.

    1. Fabian Cancellara (Swi/Radioshack Nissan) 52 min 21 sec

    2. Sylvain Chavanel (Fra/FDJ) +27 seconds

    2. Tony Martin (Ger/Omega Pharma-Quick) + 1 min 19 sec

    Britain's David Millar, is currently 16th fastest (+1 min 58 sec), Stephen Cummings is 18th so far (+2 min 7 sec) and Mark Cavendish is 133rd (+6 min 27 sec).

  58.  

    Keith on Twitter: "As long as Wiggins doesn't get a puncture he should be ok, I always worry about spectators flags getting caught in wheels!"

  59. 1508:  

    Syvain Chavanel is giving everything as he appoaches the line... and he crosses it in in 52 minutes and 48 seconds. That's enough for second place (so far), 27 seconds behind Cancellara. Chapeau.

    By the way, BBC Radio 5 live Sports Extra's coverage has just begun.

  60.  

    Chris Hodges on Twitter: "How Wiggo does today will give an idea of his Olympic time trial ability. Cancellara looking hard to beat right now."

  61.  

    Steve in Edinburgh: "Wiggins has to put a marker down today and show Cadel who's the boss!"

  62. 1500:  

    Frank Schleck rolls out of the start ramp. I wonder where his brother Andy is right now? On a beach? Anyway, In just under 40 minutes' time, it will be Bradley Wiggins' turn. Anyone else getting nervous, or just me?

  63. 1453:  

    Well, I did ask if anybody could catch Fabian Cancellara... and Sylvain Chavanel was having a pretty good pop.

    The French time trial champ was just seven seconds down at the first time check (16.5km) but saw the gap grow to 26 seconds at the second point (31.5km). Fading, or saving himself for a final push? I suspect it is the former.

  64. 1450:  

    Right then, 142 of the 178 riders have now finished... but there is just one time to beat.

    Can Bradley Wiggins go better thn Fabian Cancellara? It will take something very special, but the Team Sky man is capable of that. I think he'd settle for taking a chunk of time out of Cadel Evans but a stage win would be very sweet.

    1. Fabian Cancellara (Swi/Radioshack Nissan) 52 min 21 sec

    2. Tony Martin (Ger/Omega Pharma-Quick) + 1 min 19 sec

    3. Jens Voigt (Ger/Radioshack-Nissan) + 1 min 47

    Britain's David Millar, is currently 15th fastest (+1 min 58 sec), Stephen Cummings is 17th so far (+2 min 7 sec) and Mark Cavendish is 125th (+6 min 27 sec).

  65. 1446:  

    Wow. That's why they call him Spartacus. Fabian Cancellara crosses the line in 52 minutes and 21 seconds. Just the one minute and 19 seconds faster than previous leader Tony Martin.

  66.  

    Pete in London (not doing much work): "Re. Steve, Team Sky have thought of that. Wiggo's chops create a turbulent boundary layer, smoothing the airflow past his ears."

  67. 1443:  

    Just 20 men are left to start the race by the way. Forty-odd km down the road, Fabian Cancellara is pushing hard for the finish line.

  68. 1442:  

    Fabian Cancellara is about 3km from the finish line... he is going to go straight to the top of the standings, and by a big margin too. He has put in one heck of a ride.

  69. 1441:  

    Here's some of the men still waiting at the start line in Arc et Senans. The weather is still pretty good... let's just hope it lasts for another couple of hours...

    Ivan Basso 1448 BST

    Frank Schleck 1457

    Thibaut Pinot 1503 (wearing ear plugs today, probably)

    Nicholas Roche 1515

    Christopher Froome 1524

    Haimar Zubeldia 1527

    Denis Menchov 1530

    Vincenzo Nibali 1533

    Cadel Evans 1536

    Bradley Wiggins 1539

  70. 1435:  

    Fabian Cancellara has just gone through the second time check... and he is still on fire (metaphorically not literally). Spartacus has clocked 39 minutes and 40 seconds at 31.5km, meaning he is a minute and nine seconds faster than Tony Martin was at the same point.

    Martin reckoned he lost about 30 seconds changing bikes after his flat tyre but, er, it doesn't look as if that will make much difference.

  71.  

    Steve in Atherstone: "Given all the hype over skinsuits I wonder if Wiggo will have had to get rid of the sideburns because they have to be worth a few seconds in extra drag?"

  72. 1428:  

    Scary stuff. Fabian Cancellara has already caught and passed Dutch rider Bauke Mollema, who started three minutes ahead of him. Maybe they should have another look for that engine on his bike?

  73.  

    Juliet in Crystal Palace: "This is my second year of watching the Tour and I'm gripped, a little obsessed even. Still getting the hang of things. Can anyone expand a bit on the time trial? There's no team tactics here, right? Just a test of each individual rider against the clock and a chance to improve in the General Classification standings?"

    That's right Juliet. And that's why they call it the 'race of truth'. Some people like Wiggins and Evans can time trial AND climb, but there are plenty who can only do one or the other. It can have a huge impact on the overall standings, but today's route is fairly short and will minimalise the damage. Probably.

  74. 1421:  

    That's put the cat among the pigeons. Fabian Cancellara clocked 21 minutes 37 seconds at the first time check. That's 39 seconds inside current leader Tony Martin's time. Martin lost time when he had to change bikes after his puncture (he got a flat inside the first 2km) but it looks like Cancellara is on course to blow him out of the water regardless.

  75. 1418:  

    Team Sky man Edvald Boasson Hagen has finished in 57 minutes, 53 seconds, which is more than four minutes down on Tony Martin. I suspect the Norwegian won't be too bothered, though, given his main task this year is to help Bradley Wiggins win the Tour.

  76. 1415:  

    Some talented time trialists are now on the road. Sylvain Chavanel, the current French champion, has just set off, wearing one of those nose plasters to help his breathing that Robbie Fowler briefly made fashionable in 1995.

  77. 1412:  

    French rider Sandy Casar is now second-fastest after that first check point, seven seconds down on Tony Martin, but I am not sure how long Martin's lead will last.

    Plenty of fans are out on the roads today and giving Fabian Cancellara lots of support as he gets out of his saddle to tackle a short climb. He is moving very smoothly in the sunshine.

  78. 1409:  

    All eyes will be on Fabian Cancellara at the first time check, which comes after 16.5km. It will be a big shock if the Swiss superstar does not make the top three today, which remains the same with 128 of the 178 riders home and hosed.

    1. Tony Martin (Ger/Omega Pharma-Quick) 53 min 40 sec

    2. Jens Voigt (Ger/Radioshack-Nissan) +28 sec

    2. Lieuwe Westra (Ned/Vacansoleil-DCM) +29 sec

    Britain's David Millar, is currently 12th fastest (+1 min 58 sec), Stephen Cummings is 14th so far (+2 min 7 sec) and Mark Cavendish is 111th (+6 min 27 sec).

  79.  

    Sonny Holmes in Edinburgh: "Here's an outrageous prediction for you! Wiggins will catch Cadel Evans on the road! Its only three minutes between them starting!!"

    You said it: outrageous!

  80.  

    chrishodges on Twitter: "As one of the hot favourites could Sky not have knocked up one of their skinsuits in yellow.... you know, just in case?"

    Gavin from Cape Town on Twitter: "Seems like bad foresight NOT to make 1 high tech Sky skinsuit in yellow."

    Worry not people. The word on the street now is that Wiggins WILL be wearing a Team Sky yellow skinsuit today, in order to avoid losing a few seconds by wearing the official suit. Like I say, though, we will not know for sure until we see him on the start ramp.

  81. 1401:  

    Cancellara is also looking for glory in the Olympic road race, having picked up a silver in Beijing four years ago. Time trials are definitely his specialism, mind.

    As discussed earlier, he is a four-time world champion at the discipline, and has won six time trials at the Tour since winning the prologue in Liege in 2004. He's so fast, he was once accused of having an engine on his bike. No danger of anyone ever levelling that one at me.

  82. 1357:  

    Cancellara missed the best part of two months of the season after breaking his collarbone in four places (ouch) at the start of April but he won the prologue at the start of this year's Tour and says he is gunning for the London Olympics, where he will look to defend his time trial gold medal. Time to see how he is shaping up.

  83. 1354:  

    Spartacus is green for go! After a few problems squeezing into his skinsuit (I can sympathise with that), Fabian Cancellara gets his time trial under way.

  84.  

    Steve in Atherstone: "With Boasson Hagen, Froome & Wiggins all top time trialist's I think Sky can get back the lead in the team standings."

    This would normally be true but Boasson Hagen is not pulling out all the stops so far today. He is a minute and 21 seconds down on Tony Martin after the first time check at 16.5km. I think Team Sky will settle for strengthening Wiggins' grip on yellow, rather than trying to get those natty yellow helmets back.

  85.  

    Keith on Twitter: "Wiggins is slightly disadvantaged by having to wear the yellow jersey today as he can't wear Sky's special high-tech one."

    Will Lindley-Nash on Twitter: "Wonder if Sky are wishing Wiggins could still be in their grey clothing today for the TT... "

    This is an interesting one because Wiggins wanted to wear his own skinsuit in the time trial at the Criterium du Dauphine in June, rather than the official race leaders' outfit because it was less aerodynamic. Wiggo said yesterday that he will wear the official TDF yellow skinsuit, despite it probably suffering from the same problem... but we shall see.

  86. 1342:  
    Green Jersey

    Peter Sagan, one of the big stars of this year's Tour and the man currently leading the points category, has just rolled down the start ramp. I'm disappointed he is not wearing green socks to go with his green helmet and skinsuit. 6/10 for effort (or lack of it) I'm afraid.

  87. 1335:  

    Time trial world champion Tony Martin, who is the fastest man so far today, has just given an interview with French TV and revealed that he suffered a puncture and rode part of the route with a flat tyre. It didn't seem to slow him down much, did it?

  88. 1333:  

    Peter Sagan (who won't win today's stage) and 'Spartacus' AKA Fabian Cancellara (who might) will both be on the road within the next 20 minutes or so but it's time for a quick reminder of when some of the contenders at the top of the General Classification get started. As race leader, Wiggins goes last:

    Christopher Froome 1524 BST

    Haimar Zubeldia 1527

    Denis Menchov 1530

    Vincenzo Nibali 1533

    Cadel Evans 1536

    Bradley Wiggins 1539

  89.  

    Dominic in London: "I think the test for Team Sky will be in the mountains and how well they can protect Wiggins with Schleck, Evans and Menchov attacking. But hey let's get another British stage under our belt today."

  90.  

    From Chris in Belfast: "Froome is such a good rider to support, he's stealing my support for Wiggo. Let's hope he does well today and surprises us all."

  91. 1325:  

    Another Team Sky rider, the highly-rated Norwegian Edvald Boasson-Hagen, has just left Arc et Senans. No change to the top three in Besancon yet, though, with 113 of the 178 riders finished.

    1. Tony Martin (Ger/Omega Pharma-Quick) 53 min 40 sec

    2. Jens Voigt (Ger/Radioshack-Nissan) +28 sec

    2. Lieuwe Westra (Ned/Vacansoleil-DCM) +29 sec

    Britain's David Millar, is currently ninth fastest (+1 min 58 sec), Stephen Cummings is 11th so far (+2 min 7 sec) and Mark Cavendish is 96th (+6 min 27 sec).

  92. 1317:  

    But, speaking as someone who caught the Tour bug by watching it on Channel Four as a nine-year-old when my dad followed Stephen Roche's win in 1987, I can understand why Steve's son (see text below) is so fascinated by the Tour, whether we end up with a British winner or not. Still, fingers crossed...

  93. 1313:  

    If Bradley Wiggins does win the Tour, what effect do you think it would have on cycling in this country? Huge, I'd expect. When I spoke to Fabian Cancellara last month, he felt the sport had already exploded in the UK because of Mark Cavendish and Team GB's Olympic success, but a Tour win would take it to a whole new level.

    I'd agree with him there. Let's not get carried away just yet, mind, because there is still a lot of work for Wiggo to do...

  94.  

    From Steve in London, a 44-year-old potential domestique: "I was a Tour de France novice until this year, great to see a Brit in the yellow jersey, just hope Wiggo (I feel I can call him that now) can keep it until Paris, I have total respect for these guys, proper athletes. My 11-year-old son "just" wants to win the Tour, no interest in overpaid footballers."

  95.  

    Steve Lacey: "Chris Froome could easily shock the field; could end up 3rd or 4th in General Classification by tonight!"

    Yep, Froome is looking very strong and boy can he time trial. All good news for Team Sky.

  96. 1308:  

    Your friend and mine, 'little' (he's actually 5ft 10in) Tommy Voeckler is the next man off the ramp in Arc et Senans. I've missed seeing him in yellow this year, battling away. Anyone else feeling the same?

  97.  

    Paddy Emmerson on Twitter: "I think @bradwiggins will eek out a bit more time on Evans today but not expecting huge time difference, unfortunately."

  98.  

    From Richard: "Keeping everything crossed that there is no rain starting at 1538 BST this afternoon!"

    You and me both, Richard. The bad news is that some rain is expected in the eastern Doubs region in the next few hours. Even if it clears up before Bradley Wiggins rolls down the ramp, he might still have wet (and slippery) roads to contend with.

  99. 1257:  

    Jens Voight is home, and he just about managed to hang on to that second place. Here's the revised top three with 96 of the 178 riders done:

    1. Tony Martin (Ger/Omega Pharma-Quick) 53 min 40 sec

    2. Jens Voigt (Ger/Radioshack-Nissan) +28 sec

    2. Lieuwe Westra (Ned/Vacansoleil-DCM) +29 sec

    Britain's David Millar, who is a time trial expert, is seventh fastest (+1 min 58 sec), Stephen Cummings, ditto, is eighth so far (+2 min 7 sec) Mark Cavendish, who isn't, is 80th (+6 min 27 sec).

  100. 1253:  

    More from Millar now, this time about what Bradley Wiggins and his rivals (and team-mates) can expect from today's 41.5km course.

    "It's actually harder than the profile shows, with that little climb in the middle," explained the Maltese-born Scot. "For the General Classification guys, it's a really good course - if they can climb and time trial. I think for Chris Froome it's a good course and Wiggo, obviously, and Cadel Evans. I think it's not necessarily a specialist's course."

  101. 1250:  

    While we wait for Jens Voigt to cross the line, here's Britain's David Millar, talking to the official Tour de France site about his performance today. The Garmin rider is sixth (so far) but not very happy.

    "I was hoping to go a lot better than I did," Millar said. "I felt terrible out there. I felt good when I woke up so I'm disappointed with what I did because I had nothing out there. That doesn't happen very often - it's not nice when you feel good but you go bad."

  102. 1246:  

    The last time Bradley Wiggins and Cadel Evans competed 'head-to-head' in a time trial? That was at the Criterium du Dauphine in June. Wiggins wiped the floor with his Australian rival on that occasion, finishing one minute and 43 seconds faster than Evans over a 53.5km course.

    Wiggins won the stage too, even beating reigning world champion Tony Martin by 34 seconds.

    Spectacular stuff. But what are you expecting today? Tweet me using the hashtag #bbccycling or text me on 81111 - but please remember to put your name on your texts otherwise I can't use them.

  103.  

    Aaron White on Twitter: "Re 1234. No wonder Pinot won with 'Mad' Madiot screeching at him. Amazing what fear will do to you. Madiot won Paris-Roubaix twice BTW."

  104.  

    From Max Sidman in Cobham: "I think Wiggo needs at least a minute on Cadel today to see him through the mountains in yellow. Let's be realistic though that will be very very tough as Evans is a great time trialer."

  105. 1241:  

    Tour veteran Jens Voigt is out on the course now and proving that age is definitely not slowing him down. The 40-year-old German, who made his Tour debut in 1998, was second-fastest behind Tony Martin at 16.5km and 31.5km, passing the second time check 13 seconds slower than his compatriot.

  106.  

    British cyclist David Millar on Twitter, in response to Wiggins' press conference: "Wiggo's now better at me in everything to do with cycling, profanity-filled interviews were all I had left. Now he's taken that crown. Darn."

  107. 1237:  

    Speaking of colourful language, Bradley Wiggins did not hold back when he was asked after the stage about accusations on Twitter that he and Team Sky are doping.

    I cannot use much of what he said, because there are too many expletives, but journalists gave him a round of applause afterwards.

    Here are the edited highlights of his reply to his accusors: "It justifies their own bone-idleness because they can't ever imagine applying themselves to do anything in their lives.

    "It's easy for them to sit under a pseudonym on Twitter and write that sort of rubbish*, rather than get off their arses in their own lives and apply themselves and work hard at something and achieve something."

    * He didn't actually say 'rubbish'.

  108. 1234:  

    Wiggins and Team Sky were on top of their game yesterday to keep their man in the maillot jaune, but I cannot mention Sunday's events without a special mention for Marc Madiot's vocal encouragement of Thibaut Pinot as he took his first stage win.

    Madiot, who was right behind Pinot in the team car, yelled non-stop at the young French rider in the final few kilometres, in scenes that reminded me of several run-ins I've had with angry drivers whilst out on my bike... albeit with rather less colourful language.

  109. 1231:  
    Yellow Jersey ,

    Here's a quick reminder of the top six riders at the top of the General Classification. Wiggins will wear yellow again today, for the third day running.

    1. Bradley Wiggins (GB) Sky 38 hrs 17 min 56 sec''

    2. Cadel Evans (Aus) BMC Racing +10 sec

    3. Vincenzo Nibali (Ita) Liquigas +16 sec

    4. Denis Menchov (Rus) Katusha +54 sec

    5. Zubeldia Haimar (Lux) RadioShack Nissan +59 sec

    6. Chris Froome (GB) Sky +01 min 32 sec

  110. 1230:  

    French rider Jeremy Roy of the FDJ team has moved above Gustav Larsson and into third in the day's standing, finishing 36 seconds down on Tony Martin.

    I wonder if Roy had his manager Marc Madiot driving behind him, bellowing at him for the entire course? More on Monsieur Madiot in a little while...

  111. 1223:  
    Graham Jones , Radio 5 live sports extra co-commentator

    On today's route and Wiggins' prospects: "I don't see Bradley Wiggins taking a big chunk of time out of Cadel Evans today and I think this time trial will be a lot closer than people think.

    "It's a fairly technical course, by which I mean there are twists and turns and lots of breaks of rhythym so it may not suit Wiggins as much as it suits Cadel.

    "Having said that, I think Wiggins will probably beat him but I don't think it will be by much. The interesting thing for me today is to see what (another British Team Sky rider) Chris Froome does. He is looking very strong and he won't be far away."

  112. 1223:  

    There's a few other riders worth looking out for too. Like Fabian Cancellara, a four-time world champion at this discipline. We might get an idea of how he is shaping up to defend his Olympic title today.

    Dan Martin 1223 BST

    Peter Sagan 1342

    Fabian Cancellara 1354

    Frank Schleck 1457

    Nicholas Roche 1515

  113. 1219:  

    Tony Martin's time will be tough to beat but this is when the big hitters at the top of the General Classification roll down the ramp and start today's time trial. As race leader, Wiggins goes last:

    Christopher Froome 1524 BST

    Haimar Zubeldia 1527

    Denis Menchov 1530

    Vincenzo Nibali 1533

    Cadel Evans 1536

    Bradley Wiggins 1539

  114. 1217:  

    The time trial began earlier this morning and 78 riders have already crossed the finish line in Besancon, which you may (or may not) be aware is twinned with Huddersfield.

    Since 0845 BST, the 178 surviving riders have been pedalling off the ramp in Arc et Senans. Here are the top three times of the day for riders already across the line. World time trial champion Tony Martin is the fastest man so far, despite riding with a fractured scaphoid bone in his wrist.

    1. Tony Martin (Ger/Omega Pharma-Quick) 53 min 40 sec

    2. Lieuwe Westra (Ned/Vacansoleil-DCM) +29 sec

    3. Gustav Larsson (Swe/Vacansoleil-DCM) +30 sec

    Britain's David Millar, who is a time trial expert, is fifth fastest (+1 min 58 sec), Stephen Cummings, ditto, is sixth so far (+2 min 7 sec) Mark Cavendish, who isn't, is 64rd (+6 min 27 sec).

  115. 1213:  

    Time trials are known as cycling's 'race of truth' for a very good reason, because it is just man (and bike) against the clock. Having a strong team will not help you here.

    Today's route may not be long enough for any serious damage to be done at the top of the overall standings but it could still shake things up a bit. It takes the riders over a 41.km (or 25 miles) route in the picturesque eastern Doubs region of France, from Arc-et-Senans to Besancon, with time checks at Abbans Dessus (16.5km) and Avanne Aveney (31.5k).

  116. 1209:  
    Yellow Jersey ,

    Yes, welcome to stage nine of the 2012 Tour de France, and welcome to the first 'long' time trial. Nothing will be won (or lost) in the next few hours, but it could still prove to be a crucial day.

    Britain's Bradley Wiggins will be hoping to strengthen his grip on the race leader's yellow jersey. Australia's defending champion Cadel Evans will be hoping otherwise. Let battle commence...

  117. 1207:  

    Hello. So, the 76-year wait for a British man to win Wimbledon goes on (I'm assuming you've heard by now). But how about the 109-year wait for a first British winner of the Tour de France? Watch this space...

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