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MARCOUSSIS, Jul 29 (CP) – With the top three riders separated by barely half a minute, what can we expect to see in Sunday's final stage of the Tour?

The short answer of course is: fireworks. But who is going to produce them?

Individual time trials invariably settle a score – the norm is for time gaps to increase between riders. But after one of the most exciting 'races of truth' ever in Tour history, we now have three riders separated by just 31 seconds. Never before has the final podium been so tight.

In recent times, the final stage into Paris has become a traditional festive parade. All celebrate the fact they have survived, whilst the winners obviously have a lot more to cheer about.

Stage twenty sees riders head off from Marcoussis for the 146 kilometer trek to Paris. Famously, the race concludes with several laps up and down the Champs-Élysées. In times past, a gentlemen's agreement has existed to ensure the peloton arrive all together into Paris, and then the attacks would begin. But neither has the general classification been so tight. So what can we expect?

With Alberto Contador leading Cadel Evans by just 23 seconds, and Levi Leipheimer a further 8 seconds back, these three positions could only change with time bonuses. The stage contains two intermediate sprints worth six, four and two seconds for the first three across the line. Bonuses are also awarded for the first three stage placers too.

Realistically there will be little chance of a change to the top three. Evans conceded defeat immediately after his time trial performance on Saturday. For Levi Leipheimer, he too believes he will have to settle for his third position, admitting that Evans is a stronger sprinter if it came down to time bonuses.

But after a night's rest and time to reflect on it, will their attitude change? Could we see one last battle between these three worthy podium finishers?

Of course, let us not forget the sprinters either – the Champs-Élysées is their hunting ground. So watch out for Tom Boonen, Robert Hunter and Erik Zabel looking to claim glory on the most famous avenue in world cycling.

A dark horse for the sprint will be Thor Hushovd. The Norwegian has had a disappointing Tour by his standards and would love nothing more then to repeat his 2006 win.

Saturday’s stage highlighted all that is beautiful in professional cycling. As the peloton finishes on the Champs-Élysées, may all reflect on the past three weeks, knowing that many lessons can be taken from the controversies that have surrounded the sport. And may we also keep in mind that the sport of cycling can have a wonderful future.

© Michael Holden