Riders embark on Tour de France time trial with Alberto Contador expected to seal 3rd victory

Riders embark on Tour de France time trial

PAUILLAC, France — The riders of the Tour de France embarked on the penultimate stage of the race Saturday, a 32.3-mile time trial that will fix the final positions on the podium.

Defending champion and leader Alberto Contador raced last and was expected to clinch his overall victory.

Among those looking for a stage win Saturday is world time trial champion Fabian Cancellara of Switzerland. Riding early, Cancellara set a time of 1 hour, 56 seconds, 17 seconds ahead of Tony Martin of Germany. The two had a big lead on the rest of the field in the early stages.

British road-race champion Bradley Wiggins was another rider who had hoped for success Saturday. But his challenge quickly faded, and he finished 3:33 behind Cancellara.

Seven-time Tour champion Lance Armstrong completed his final time trial 7:05 back of Cancellara.

Belgian rider Johan Van Summeren had a shock seconds after he started his time trial. The cleat on his right pedal broke, causing him to crash to the ground. Van Summeren got up and continued the race, finishing 9:29 behind Cancellara.

Contador set off shortly after 10 a.m. EDT.