Spainiard Alberto Contador has all but assured himself a second Tour De France crown after finishing fourth in the penultimate mountainous stage to Mont Ventoux overnight.

County compatriot Juan Manuel Garate took the honours in the 20th stage after forming a breakaway with German Tony Martin half way through the day.

After Windy conditions wreaked havoc in the main paleton, an Astana led group went in pursuit of the duo but could not bridge the gap, leaving both riders to battle it out for the win.

The 2007 winner, Contador, now holds a lead of 4’11” heading into the final stage through the Champs-Élysées, and given he finishes the stage without retiring, the title will be his.

The final stage has forever been celebration of the tour leader rather than a stage to challenge for the overall jersey, and therefore the other competitors will allow, out of respect and tradition, Contador to finish in front.

Rising up-and-comer Andy Schleck sits in second position overall, with Texan Lance Armstrong on the verge of completing a fairytale return to the sport with a podium finish, in third spot

The sprinters classification, however, will be hotly contested tonight with Britain’s Mark Cavendish only 25 points behind the green jersey holder Thor Hushovd.

In the King of the Mountain category Italian Franco Pellizotti has all but tied up the polka dot jersey 75 points in front of second placed Spain’s Egoi Martinez.