Sylvain Chavanel bounced back from a disappointing Tour de France by producing a great ride in today's time trial. The Frenchman finished 8th and narrowly missed his goal of a top 5 finish.

Tony Martin put in an explosive ride against the clock for the 101st Tour de France.  The world time trial champion showed impressive form throughout the approximately 55 kilometer undulating route from Bergerac to Périgueux.  Vincenzo Nibali lived up to his ambitions of showing the yellow jersey well, and retained his lead without any problems. 

IAM Cycling figured on the leader board with strong performances not only from the French time trial champion Sylvain Chavanel in 8th place only 2’36 behind the winner, but also Martin Elmiger who barely missed a top ten spot, taking 13th 3’12” behind the untouchable German.  Elmiger has been on the attack the entire Tour, a result reflected in his third place on the super-combative prize list. 

Before returning to his hotel to recover from his efforts, Sylvain Chavanel candidly discussed his performance. 

“This was a difficult time trial on which to end the Tour de France.  How fresh you were proved to be the decisive element.  I had already reconned this course earlier in the year, and was motivated to do well.  

"I wanted to get into the top 5 for the stage.  I am not very far off from succeeding at that, but I suffered on this demanding course particularly because I am very tired out after the Pyrenees.  It was a good kind of suffering, though and I am satisfied with my place.”

 
Marcel Wyss, who came in 67th place at 6’29” behind the winner, also learned a lot after his test of truth.  But this did not prevent him from appreciating the privilege of these moments of racing. 

“I was still able to have fun in my first time trial in a Tour de France.  It was not a parcours that was suited to my strengths, but I gave it my maximum in order to learn the most and gain the most experience.”