Chris Froome has been nothing but spectacular throughout the entire 2013 Tour de France. On Wednesday, the Team Sky leader added another feather to his cap after recording the fastest time in the individual time trial as he clocked 51:33 to finish the 32 kilometer road test from Embrum to Chorges.
Froome has padded his lead in the general classification standings to nine more seconds, giving him a huge 4:34 gap over two-time Tour champion Alberto Contador of Spain. The Saxo-Tinkoff rider managed to record the stage's second fastest time but it was just not enough to outshine the Yellow Jersey holder.
Stage 18 - Gap to Alpe d'Huez, 172.5 km (107.2 mi)
After the grueling climb towards the peak of Mont Ventoux, the riders are set to take on another daunting ascent across the iconic Alpe d' Huez. This killer 172.5 kilometer stage has proven to be crucial for the general classification contenders as they look to make one final push towards the Tour de France crown. Adept climbers and GC contenders will once again take the spotlight in a race that features 21 dangerous curves and two big climbs, including a mountain finish at the end of the race.
Columbian biker Nairo Quintana, Spaniards Alberto Contador and Joaquim Rodriguez and Froome are the riders to watch on this stage, although anything can happen in this very enduring race. The Alps stage of the Tour de France has produced a number of great memories throughout the years, assuring the winner of this race a spot in cycling immortality.
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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