As Froome left the starting ramp, Wednesday’s weather finally cracked and the temperature dropped to 20 Celsius. The favourite was losing time to Australia’s Rohan Dennis who powered through the early stages.
Dennis eventually started to fade, but replacing his bike so far into the race was an indication that this had less to do with his stamina, and maybe more to do with fate. The incoming rain was also fateful – Froome prefers dry heat.
But the reality is you make your own luck, and Cancellara made the most of the drier roads and looked relaxed throughout the ride. Wet or dry, Cancellara has confirmed his claim as the Time Trial king.
