Chris Froome On Eve Of Winning Fourth TDF As Micheal Matthews Eyes Double Celebration

Chris Froome has all but won his 4th Tour de France title after putting in a strong performance on the Stage 20 time trial in Marseille.

Increasing his overall lead to a significant 54 seconds, Froome placed third in the TT and is destined to take another step toward TDF history as he rides Sunday’s largely ceremonial 103km stage from Montgeron to Paris.

“Three weeks of racing has almost come to an end and obviously we have to get to Paris tomorrow,” said an elated Froome after his TT performance.

“It’s an amazing feeling and atmosphere in this stadium,” he added.

Chris Froome – just 100km from Paris and his 4th overall win of the Tour de France. Image: Sirotti.

Froome: ‘1000 What Ifs’

“It was tough, there were 1000 ‘what ifs’ and things that potentially could go wrong and trying to think of all the different scenarios so it was certainly not an easy one coming into today with it being so close,” Froome continued.

Froome went on to praise team-mate Mikel Landa who looks set to finish 4th overall and considered a future winner in his own right.

“That [missing out] is really tough for him,” said Froome.

“I think if anything, it shows that he’s definitely capable of being on this Tour de France podium and I imagine that will just give him even more motivation in future.”

Michael Matthews looks destined to become the third Australian winner of the prized Green Jersey. Image Sirotti.

Matthews In Box Seat For Double Celebration

While race protocol dictates that Chris Froome will not be challenged on the final day, it’s a completely different story for Aussie rider Michael Matthews of Team Sunweb.

He’s undoubtedly in with a strong chance to secure his third stage win of this year’s event, along with the honour of being the third Australian to win the Green Jersey after Robbie McEwen, in 2002, 2004 & 2006, and Baden Cooke in 2003.

Now in Paris on the eve of the final stage of the 2017 Tour de France, Bicycling Australia will bring you the latest from the race including interviews with the Aussies. Check back early Monday for updates.

Tour de France Stage 20 ITT Top 5

1. Maciej Bodnar (Bora-Hansgrohe) 28:15
2. Michal Kwiatkowski (Team Sky) +1″
3. Chris Froome (Team Sky) +6″
4. Tony Martin (Katusha-Alpecin) +14″
5. Daryl Impey Orica-Scott) +20″

Tour de France Overall Top 5 After Stage 20

1. Chris Froome (Team Sky) 83:55:16
2. Rigoberto Uran (Cannondale-Drapac) +54″
3. Romain Bardet (Ag2r-La Mondiale) +2:20″
4. Mikel Landa (Team Sky) +2:21″
5. Fabio Aru (Astana) +3:05″