Carlos Sastre is almost certain to win the Tour de France after retaining the yellow jersey with a strong ride in Saturday's penultimate stage, a 53 kilometre time-trial from Cerilly to St Amand Montroud.
Having started the day holding a lead of one minute and 24 seconds, the Spanish CSC rider produced a fine effort to finish 12th in the time-trial, two minutes and 36 seconds behind winner Stefan Schumacher.
That was comfortably enough to hold off his rivals in the general classification and, with just Sunday's ride into Paris remaining, Sastre - barring an accident or other unforseen event - is now assured of completing his maiden Tour de France triumph at the eighth attempt.
"I was calm this morning, I knew it was an opportunity of a lifetime for me. The dream has come true," said the Madrid-born 33-year-old, who seized the race lead on Wednesday with a stunning attack on the Alpe d'Huez.
"It's teamwork. The Schleck brothers (Frank and Andy) sacrificed themselves for me. I was feeling better and better on this Tour. I have a good capacity to recuperate from my efforts.
"I took it easy in the beginning of the season. I knew I needed to be fit for the Tour and later, possibly, for the Vuelta, I handled my season carefully to achieve my dream."
Naslov komentara: Cycling: Sastre hangs tough 
Sun Jul 27, 2008 1:39 am
