The day started with rumors of yet another positive doping test, but the 11 a.m. conference at which the offending rider was to be announced passed without any mention of it.

American Levi Leipheimer put in a blazing performance in today’s individual time trial to come within 31 seconds of the yellow jersey. Still, he remains in 3rd, behind teammate Alberto Contador and Australian Cadel Evans.

Today’s Results:
1. Leipheimer
2. Evans
3. Karpets
4. Popovych
5. Contador

General Classification
1. Contador
2. Evans (:23)
3. Leipheimer (:31)
4. Sastre (7:08)

Sunday’s race is traditionally a parade into Paris, but with talks of a rider protest against doping tomorrow, whether the riders hold to tradition is anyone’s guess.