The last stage of the Tour de France covering a distance of 102.5km that started from Longjumeau to Paris Champs-Elysees was just a formalization matter in terms of leadership.
As expected, the final stage is just a showcase of sprinter riders with no effect in the leadership standings.
The final Stage 20 race was won by Mark Cavendish. It was Cavendish’s fourth stage win this year. He was followed by Alessandro Petacchi and Julian Dean.
Overall, the depending champion Alberto Contador managed to hold on to the yellow jersey to capture his third championship in four years. Andy Schleck was in second place behind by 39 seconds and Denis Menchov of Russia finishing third, 2 minutes and 1 second behind the champion. Samuel Sanchez who, prior to stage 19th, was in third place settled for fourth place finish.
