Title hinges on time trial
ANGOULEME, France – Battered by scandal and doping embarrassments, the Tour de France might actually have stumbled upon a sliver of good news.
A competitive finish.
Alberto Contador of Spain and Cadel Evans of Australia could win or lose the race during today’s time trial. The race ends Sunday in Paris along the Champs-Elysees.
A slim margin of 1 minute, 50 seconds separates the two riders, each going for a first victory in this event and suddenly thrust into the spotlight after the ouster of former overall leader Michael Rasmussen.
“Tomorrow is the most difficult day of my career as an athlete,” Contador said after Friday’s 18th stage, which was won by Sandy Casar. The French rider won the 131-mile stage despite crashing after hitting a spectator’s dog.
The 24-year-old Contador would be the Tour’s youngest winner since Jan Ullrich in 1997.
“In this time trial, everything can change – my entire life can change,” Contador said.
Added Evans: “We will know all the answers out on the road tomorrow.”
Vinokourov hires attorney
Alexandre Vinokourov has hired Floyd Landis’ lawyer to defend him on blood doping charges that resulted in his ejection from the Tour de France.
Attorney Maurice Suh was in France and unavailable for comment, but his Los Angeles office said he was on the case for Vinokourov, who has denied doping.
“I can confirm we do represent Vinokourov,” said Pearl Piatt, spokeswoman for the Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher law firm.