Tour de France 2018 – stage 20 LIVE: Latest updates as Geraint Thomas set to win after flawless time trial

Thomas avoided disaster in the penultimate stage - the 31km individual time trial to Espelette - to earn the right to take the yellow jersey to Paris

Tour De France 2018- Flash summary Stage 19

If Tom Dumoulin could have designed the final stage it would have been something like this – a lumpy 31km time trial for which he is a strong favourite. But the Dutchman must make up more than two minutes on Geraint Thomas if he is to win the yellow jersey, and over a course expected to take around 44 minutes that seems an unlikely proposition.

Thomas just needs to avoid some disastrous moment – a crash or puncture or sudden blow-up – on route from Saint-Pée-sur-Nivelle to Espelette, and in the form he is in he will surely have enough to clinch his maiden grand tour.

Meanwhile Chris Froome will be fighting with Primoz Roglic for a place on the podium, having been displaced by the Slovenian who won yesterday's stage 19 to Laruns, albeit in controversial circumstances.

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Key Points

• The race so far in 80 photos
• What fans really think of Team Sky
• Stage 20 preview: Thomas's race to lose

[28 July 2018 16:29 · Jack de Menezes]

The 2018 Tour de France champion-in-waiting

[28 July 2018 16:31 · Jack de Menezes]

After clinching stage 20 victory, here's what Tom Dumoulin had to say:

That's crazy, I didn't know anything about split times and I still thought Froome was one second ahead of me when I crossed the line. Wow.

It's been an amazing last day. I was so nervous. This morning I found out I lost my skinsuit but my clothing sponsor are in the Basque country nearby so they made a new one this morning and I'm forever thankful. Otherwise I wouldn't have finished in this beautiful world champion's jersey.

I had such a hard time yesterday, the frustration came out after the finish but today is amazing, I can't believe it.

[28 July 2018 16:34 · Jack de Menezes]

The man of the moment, Geraint Thomas truly is speechless after winning the Tour de France:

Oh man, just really trying not to cry. Unbelievable, I never thought about it and always said day after day. To win the Tour de France...I don't know what to say.

Chill out a bit. Get on the radio and make sure we win the Tour. 

[28 July 2018 16:35 · Jack de Menezes]

Thomas adds:

The last time I cried was at my wedding, and I don't know what happened then. I know what's happened now, but I really don't know what to say. Wow, unbelievable.