Sastre defends yellow jersey
2008-07-26 14:46
Cerilly, France - Spanish rider Carlos Sastre prepared to defend his yellow jersey and race against the clock against Cadel Evans for the Tour de France title as riders began the time trial in Saturday's 20th and penultimate stage.
Sastre has a lead of 1 minute, 34 seconds over Evans, but the Australian is considered the faster in time trials and could eclipse that advantage over the 53km route from Cerilly to Saint-Amand-Montrond.
Because cyclists set off in reverse order in the time trial, Austrian rider Bernhard Eisel was first down the ramp and Sastre was scheduled to go last - giving him the advantage of seeing Evans' time splits while he races.
The 33-year-old Sastre finished third in the 2006 Tour, while the 31-year-old Evans was runner-up last year to Alberto Contador of Spain.
- AP