Stage 18 | Sallanches to Megève | Tour de France 2016

This episode of The Telegraph Cycling Podcast was recorded as the stage 18 mountain time trial of the Tour de France unfolded in Megève.

Join Richard Moore and Lionel Birnie by the finish line as they dissect the implications of the developments as riders completed the punishing 17-kilometre course from Sallanches to Megève.

Chris Froome won the time trial, denying Dutch rider Tom Dumoulin a third stage victory in this Tour, to all but clinch his third Tour de France title.

Although there are still two tough Alpine stages to come, Froome’s lead over second-placed Bauke Mollema grew to almost four minutes.

The race for the yellow jersey may be almost done but the battle for the podium is still alive, with barely more than a minute separating Mollema, Adam Yates, Nairo Quintana, Romain Bardet and Richie Porte.

In this episode we hear from IAM Cycling’s time trial specialist Stef Clement about the choices of equipment the riders made and whether to opt for a full aerodynamic set-up or adapt a climbing bike for the race against the clock. 
We also hear from Etixx-Quick Step’s sensation Julian Alaphilippe, who has had an eventful debut Tour.

In the final part, Richard and Lionel are joined by Daniel Friebe to discuss the implications of today’s time trial result and what we can expect over the next two days.

The Telegraph Cycling Podcast is supported by Rapha and Eurosport.