TdF 2011 - Stage 20

Mark rode a steady ITT today in Grenoble to finish 156th (1:04:08), 8:35 down on stage winner, and HTC Highroad team mate, Tony Martin.

All eyes are on him tomorrow as he is positioned to be the first British rider since Robert Millar to win one of the classifications - Millar won King of the Mountains back in 1984. Mark is likely to attack the intermediate sprint and is looking to win on the Champs Elysees for the third year running - and an incredible 20th stage win in four TdFs... Watch this space!

Oh... and Cadel Evans has won the TdF following a "tour de force" around the 26 mile course today, turning a 57 second deficit on Andy Schelck to an unassailable 1:34 lead. Maybe at 34, this was his last big chance to win the event he has finished second twice in (2007 and 2008), and as it was, he has left Andy Schleck win a "hattrick" of second places (2009, 2010 and 2011), albeit Andy, at 26, has plenty more chances to come back and win. Velo News have a well written piece on Cadel Evans and the BMC Team's tactics at the Tour here.

TdF 2011 - Stage 19

Yet another day of Grupetto madness today as Mark (along with 81 other riders) finished outside the time limit for the second day - resulting in another loss of 20 points, the only consolation being that 2nd placed Joaquin Rojas Jose was also outside the time limit. Today's stage pitted the riders on the legendary climb of the Alpe-d'Huez and it clearly proved a struggle for over half the field - as was Stage 18... Whether this is down to the pace at the front end of the field, or the Grupetto organsing themselves to save their legs, who knows... Mark was interviewed by ITV4 after the stage: "It's a real relief, it's as if the Tour's over." You can watch the interview by Ned Boulting here.

As things currently stand the top 5 in the points classification are:

• 1. Mark Cavendish, HTC-Highroad - 280 points
• 2. Joaquin Rojas Jose, Movistar Team - 265 points
• 3. Philippe Gilbert, Omega Pharma-Lotto - 230 points
• 4. Thor Hushovd, Team Garmin-Cervelo - 195 points
• 5. Cadel Evans, BMC Racing Team - 191 points.

There are still a maximum of 85 points available (1st place = 20 points for the ITT tomorrow, then 20 points for the intermediate sprint and 45 points for the finish line sprint on Sunday), so Mark will have to work hard - on Sunday - to ensure overall victory...

Tomorrow's ITT sees Cadel Evans firmly installed as overall race favourite, even if he is downplaying his chances...