The 2013 Tour de France is now reaching its climax with emotions running high among the general classification contenders. Chris Froome, who preserved his big lead on Stage 16, accused former Tour champion Alberto Contador of getting desperate and careless in his biking after the two competitors got involved in a heated neck-to-neck duel in the final descent of the race on Tuesday.
Movistar rider Rui Costa took his first stage win of the tour after blowing by competition in the last downhill towards Gap. Costa biked across the finish line 42 seconds earlier than second place rider Christophe Riblon of France and third place finisher Arnold Jeannesson also of France.
Stage 17
Embrun to Chorges, 32 km (19.9 mi), individual time trial (Individual Time Trial)
The last individual time trial of Tour de France has always proven critical for all the GC contenders. In a tour that's seen incredible feats and surprises, anything can happen on this tricky stage.
Unlike the last individual time trial in Week 2, Wednesday's ITT will feature two uphill climbs and a descent to the finish line. Equipment choice will be a chief concern. Riders will have to decide if they should use an ITT bike or the ordinary mountain bike. One thing is certain, though. Sprinters won't rule this stage because of its unusual hilly terrain for an ITT race.
TV Schedule, Streaming and Additional Information
NBC Sports Coverage of the 2013 Tour de France is scheduled to start at 8:00 a.m. EST. Online Streaming will be available on NBC Sports Extra*.
The General Classification standings of the race is available on the Tour de France 2013 website.
TSM will supply live online links or go to the Sports Authority FB Group for live Tour de France streaming links and forums.
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