Only a harsh twist of fate can prevent Alberto Contador from playing the leading role in the Champs-Elysees parade marking the end of the 96th Tour de France overnight.
With a lead of over four minutes over Luxembourg's Andy Schleck and nearly five and a half miutes over seven time winner Lance Armstrong, the 26-year-old Spaniard will, as is the custom on the Tour, start the celebrations early.
The 164km final stage is widely expected to end in a mass sprint, with Briton Mark Cavendish the overwhelming favourite for a possible sixth stage win in this year's race.
