On the eve of reaching Paris, an individual time trial of 30.8 kilometers between Libourne and Saint-Émilion would decide the outcome of the Tour de France in stage 20. The second race against the clock of this 108th edition crossed the famous Gironde vineyards, passing through the municipalities of Pomerol and Montagne.
Unlike the time trial in Mayenne, all the Intermarché-Wanty-Gobert riders were able to compete in mild conditions, in front of nearly 400,000 spectators on the side of the roads. South African Louis Meintjes, who occupied 14th place in the overall standings, started at 4:53 pm, with the aim of securing his place among the top 15 of this Tour de France.
By completing the course in 41st position, with a time of 39:04 (47.03 km / h), Meintjes sealed his 14th place overall on the eve of the closing stage on the Champs-Elysées. The victory went to Belgian Wout Van Aert (Jumbo).
This time trial was the last opportunity to change the overall standings, as far as I'm concerned I was determined to defend my place. I had good legs today and I even went fast on the first part of the course. I had to slow down and pace my effort afterwards, in order to tackle the last five kilometers slightly uphill. At the end of the day, I'm happy with my performance. This 14th place overall is not the top 10 we were hoping for at the start of the Tour, but given the way this year's edition has gone, the ups and downs that each rider has experienced, I consider it a good result, one I certainly do not have to be disappointed about.
