Saxo Bank team rider Fabian Cancellara of Switzerland celebrates on the podium after winning the 19th stage of the Tour de France cycling race between Bordeaux and Pauillac, July 24, 2010.
PARIS, July 24 -- Swiss Olympic champion Fabian Cancellara captured his first long time trial on Tour de France in the 19th stage on Saturday.
Saxo Bank time trial specialist Cancellara clocked a winning time of one hour 00 minute 56 seconds on the largely flat but wind-hit course between Bordeaux and Pauillac to push Germany's Tony Martin into second place.
HTC-Columbia rider Martin finished 17 secondss adrift with compatriot and teammate Bert Grabsch in third at one minute 48 seconds.
Although there is one stage remaining on Sunday, it is expected to finish with a bunch sprint on the Champs Elysees with the coveted green jersey still up for grabs.
Spanish defending champion Alberto Contador meanwhile reinforced his grip on the yellow jersey after beating main rival Andy Schleck, Cancellara's teammate, by 31 seconds in the time trial having started with just an eight-second advantage.
The Spaniard will now go into Sunday's final stage with a 39 second lead on the Luxemburger.
(Reuters)
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