Key events
Bissegger is on his way and we all expect him to set the leading time. He is showing some early intent. We shall see in around half an hour if he has what it takes.
No one is challenging Martinez’s time at the moment. I am sure it will not be too long before someone goes close.
Jens Voigt says the climb is actually pretty tricky and that this is the a cracking TT route.
Cav is certainly happy to have finished.
This is a lovely area for Chateaus, that’s for sure. During my five years of working for ITV Sport on the Tour, the main excitement came when there was a lovely aerial shot of a rural house in France. #ChateauWatch
Lenny Martinez moves to the top time trial leaderboard after coming home in 31m40s.
No magazines available?
Now we’re talking! I am a huge fan of this BBQ vista.
We are getting plenty of riders finishing in times starting with 32.
Cav speaks: “It is about trying to get through today. The time trial used to be a rest day but now you have to go full gas to reach the time limit. It was a nice route, a beautiful place. It is nice to get the day over with. I am going to spend the afternoon with my wife and kids.”
“Still in my little post 35 bubble for Cav,” says Jeremy Lee. “I got a bit emosh in the office, I don’t mind admitting, so it was lucky my colleagues left early. Having seen how finickity Cav is with his “normal” bike I was wondering how he gets set up for a time trial? The mechanics must dread it!
“Oh, and anyone who claimed that Cav causes crashes – as was seen by responses to some posts on X recently – take a look at Sagan and the 2017 tour. The following riders obviously weren’t as good at bunny hopping back in the day.
“On to Colombey Les Deux Eglises for 36?”
I am sure Cav will be eager for that.
If you want a basic marker for everyone else, Cavendish comes through in 33 minutes and 21 seconds.
Is the lad in flip flops considering racing him?
Cav now on the descent and enjoying life a bit more.
Cavendish has hit the climb that is on today’s course. There is a healthy crowd in fancy dress and polka dot shirts willing him the hill.
The wind will be helpful today, it would seem. Cavendish is being pushed along by a strong breeze. Cav will be pleased that he does not need to push himself to the limits.
It will be quite a while until we get any real indication of a good time today.
In the meantime, read up on yesterday’s action.
Every start time for the riders today. All times are in CET.
⏱️ Here is the starting order and time for each of the riders in the first time trial of the #TDF2024 tomorrow.
⏱️ Voici l’ordre et l’horaire de départ de chacun des coureurs pour le contre-la-montre dedemain.#TDF2024 | @TISSOT pic.twitter.com/PhtZKtenMJ
— Tour de France™ (@LeTour) July 4, 2024
Cav gets plenty of applause as he winds through the streets. There is not much on this for Cavendish so he will enjoy himself.
Mark Cavendish will be first down the ramp today. He looks incredibly happy with life.
The Ineos team have been spotted wearing face masks. Are they taking precautions because of Covid in the camp?
What’s the course? Check out the stage-by-stage guide.
Preamble
Welcome to the first time trial of the Tour. There is only a grand total of 59km time trialling to be done this year, so today’s 25.3km could be significant. We are likely to see a bit of a shake up in the leaders by the time everyone completes their run, so there is plenty to keep a watchful eye on.
Remco Evenepoel is the reigning world time trialling champion and will fancy his chances of catching up with leader Tadej Pogacar who is 45 seconds ahead of him. “I think the favourite is Remco, for sure,” Pogacar said after stage six. “He’s the world champion and he’s shown many times that he can beat everyone. I think he’s the one to look to, but I think I can also do a pretty solid time trial.”
Should be an intriguing day for all.