Alaphilippe is Last Out and Fastest!

Julian Alaphilippe was the last rider released in today's individual time trial.  The yellow jersey wearer had the opportunity to win a stage on the 100th anniversary of the yellow jersey.  Thomas De Gendt spent much of the time trial in the hot seat.  But Geraint Thomas came in 22" quicker, and then all eyes turned to Alaphilippe.  The Frenchman gave it his all during the final kilometer and came in 14" quicker than Thomas.  Check out Alaphilippe's exertion at the finish line (click on image for a larger view).

We had our best prediction today.

• Stage 13:  35' 00" (actual), 34' 52" (prediction), 00' 08" fast (-0.39% error)

I'm most definitely happy with that!  Check out Alaphilippe's average speed.

• Stage 13:  12.95 m/s (46.63 kph or 28.97 mph)

That's pretty fast!  Look at Alaphilippe's great form on the bike near the end of the stage, where he kicked it up a notch and took control (click on image for a larger view).

You can see the speed there, which is 54 kph (34 mph).

Time trials are so much fun to watch, especially for a physicist.  The tailor-made skin suits are crafted to exactly fit each rider.  The goal, of course, is to reduce air drag.  Several riders didn't push very hard today, likely wanting to save energy for what's awaiting them in the next two stages before the second and final rest day.  Who else but Peter Sagan would be popping a wheelie on the stage? (click on image for a larger view)

He definitely gave fans something to smile about!

There were some unfortunate crashes during the time trial.  Stefan Küng crashed early in the route.  Maximilian Schachmann crashed and barely made it across the finish line.  I was so anxious to see what time Wout van Aert would get.  I was hoping he could sneak in under 35'.  But he had an awful crash with just over 1 km left in his ride (click on image for a larger view).

Tomorrow's Stage 14 looks to be a grueling mountain stage.  Beginning in the commune of Tarbes, riders will meet a category-1 climb in the middle of the stage.  They'll ride across the 1474-m (4836-ft) peak of Col du Soulor in the Pyrenees.  The 117.5-km (73.01-mi) stage ends with an Hors catégorie climb to the 2115-m (6939-ft) peak of Col du Tourmalet.  Our prediction is given below.

• Stage 14:  3h 19' 37" (prediction)

I can't wait to see that climb to the finish line!