Thrilling Paris end expected
2008-07-27 08:03
Paris - Only a cruel twist of fate can
prevent Carlos Sastre from playing the leading role in the
Champs-Elysees parade marking the end of the 95th Tour de France
on Sunday.
With a lead of one minute and five seconds over Australian
Cadel Evans and 1:20 over Austrian Bernhard Kohl, the
33-year-old Spaniard of the CSC team will be forgiven for
starting the celebrations early.
The 21st and final stage is widely expected to end in a
bunch sprint, with Spaniard Oscar Freire keen to wrap up his
near-unassailable green jersey lead with a second race victory.
On the 143km course from Etampes, the mood of the race will
quickly change when relief and relaxation give way to tension as
the peloton approaches Paris.
Some riders will take a last opportunity to shine by breaking
away during the eight laps that will also take the riders on the
Rue de Rivoli and the Place de la Concorde.
Since the Champs-Elysees became the scene of the Tour finale
in 1975 the last stage has often been decided in a mass finish.