Gallery
Precious Seconds
Jean-Christophe Peraud (AG2R) had everything riding on his performance in the only Time Trial of the 101st Tour de France, and did not need anything to go wrong. Unfortunately his wishing of luck to Thibaut Pinot (FDJ) did not insolate him from having bad luck himself. At about the half way point when he had already secured the Virtual Second Place on the road, he had a rear tire flat. He let his following team car know what was wrong and then pulled to a stop along the decorated front yard of a house along the route. He gently set his first time trial machine down as he waited for his mechanics to bring a replacement bike to him. He did his best to remain calm, as the pair moved with precision to get him up and running. The whole process took about 15 seconds, but with the GC placing so tight, it was time he would rather not give up. Perhaps the adrenaline from the delay would push him to the line in time