The cyclists in the 2012 Tour de France receive a well-deserved day off on Tuesday following a prologue and nine stages of riding through Belgium and France to start this year's competition. On Monday, Bradley Wiggins captured a stage victory with a time trial victory on the course from Arc-et-Senans to Besançon. He outpaced his competition by 35 seconds and more. Christopher Froome finished in second while Fabian Cancellara came in third place, 57 seconds behind.
Cancellara had the lead for a good portion over the final stretch of sendoffs for the riders, but Wiggins went at the end since he wore the yellow jersey. Knowing the time he needed to beat, Wiggins didn't hesitate. He now holds not only a stage victory but also the yellow jersey for a third straight day. He has a 1:53 over Cadel Evans.
Here are the top 10 finishers for the stage (full results here):
Rank | Rider | Time | Gap |
1 | Bradley Wiggins | 51' 24'' | |
2 | Christopher Froome | 51' 59'' | + 00' 35'' |
3 | Fabian Cancellara | 52' 21'' | + 00' 57'' |
4 | Tejay Van Garderen | 52' 30'' | + 01' 06'' |
5 | Sylvain Chavanel | 52' 48'' | + 01' 24'' |
6 | Cadel Evans | 53' 07'' | + 01' 43'' |
7 | Peter Velits | 53' 23'' | + 01' 59'' |
8 | Vincenzo Nibali | 53' 31'' | + 02' 07'' |
9 | Denis Menchov | 53' 32'' | + 02' 08'' |
10 | Andreas Klöden | 53' 33'' | + 02' 09'' |
SB Nation Denver is your source for 2012 Tour de France updates on Team Garmin-Sharp, and be sure to visit cycling blog Podium Cafe as well.