Leipheimer and Evans close in on Contador

American Levi Leipheimer won stage 19 of the Tour de France today to set up a thrilling finish to the race.

Leipheimer was the quickest rider in the 55.5-kilometre time trial between Cognac and Angouleme, the Discovery Channel team rider clocking up a time of one hour, two minutes and 44 seconds.

He finished 51 seconds ahead of Australian Cadel Evans who himself put pressure on race leader Alberto Contador.

Contador will, as expected, wear the yellow jersey for Sunday’s final stage but with only 23 seconds on Evans and 31 on Leipheimer the Spaniard might have work to do to claim victory in a Tour which has been tainted by drugs scandals.