Today took place the 9th stage of "Tour de France", a 41,5 kilometers long ITT from Arc-et-Senans to Besancon. Denis Menchov stopped the clock at 53'42'', a performance that gave him the 9th position, 2'08'' far from the leader of general classification Bradley Wiggins (Sky) who won the stage. Second position for his teammate Chris Froome, 35'' far from him; while Fabian Cancellara (RadioShack-Nissan) completed the podium with a 57'' gap. In general classification Menchov is now 5th, 3'02'' far from Wiggins.

"I think I did a good race and took a good result - said Katusha Team's leader - even if it wasn't the best I could aspire to. I think I could do better, but Wiggins did a great performance: it was quite expected, obviously I would have preferred to lose less time, but that's it. I'm not sad, it was just one stage, so I'm still optimistic for the rest of the competition: during the next two weeks there will be many hard and crucial stages, I will face them step by step. I know today in Russia the country is remembering all the victims of the tragedy in Krasnodar region: I send my deepest condolences to their family".