Egan Bernal is all set to win the 2019 Tour de France, becoming the first Colombian to win the prestigious tournament. At 22, he will also become the youngest winner of the Tour in 110 years.
Although the final stage of the race still remains, it is a traditional practice to not challenge the race leader.
While Bernal stood fourth in Saturday’s stage, which was reduced by 71 kms due to inclement weather, the winner of the tournament is chosen based on the amount of time taken to finish each stage.
He crossed the finish line on Saturday holding hands with his Ineos teammate, Geraint Thomas, who is also the defending champion.
“We’re now close to making it official,” said Bernal. “There’s one stage left but, normally, if everything goes well, I can say that I’ve won my first Tour.
After stage 20, here is the position of the participants:
1. Egan Bernal (Col/Ineos) 79hrs 52mins 52secs
2. Geraint Thomas (GB/Ineos) +1min 11secs
3. Steven Kruijswijk (Ned/Jumbo-Visma) +1min 31secs
4. Emanuel Buchmann (Ger/Bora-Hansgrohe) +1min 56secs
5. Julian Alaphilippe (Fra/ Deceuninck-Quick Step) +3mins 45secs
6. Mikel Landa (Spa/Movistar) +4mins 23secs
7. Rigoberto Uran (Col/EF Education First) +5mins 15secs
8. Nairo Quintana (Col/Movistar) +5mins 30secs
9. Alejandro Valverde (Spa/Movistar) +6mins 12secs
10. Warren Barguil (Fra/Arkea-Samsic) +7mins 32secs
