Ullrich takes Swiss win

Although Australian Cadel Evans set a noteworthy time of 39'08" while the last few riders had just set off, overall victory was only ever going to come from the leading trio of Gil, Jaksche who lay 30 seconds behind, and Ullrich.

Just a few minutes into Ullrich's run, the heavens opened and conditions became treacherous. But the 32 year-old put his head down and reached the first split - at 14km - 15 seconds ahead of Cadel Evans.

Gil appeared to be in pole position, arriving just 12 seconds behind Ullrich, while Jaksche's challenge had by now faded. Pushing a heavy gear and battling fierce winds Ullrich fought on, fired by home support.

The gap between Ullrich and Gil closed as the finish neared, and at the final split it became clear the Spaniard had lost too much time. He crossed the line ninth quickest on a stage where he had to battle heavy rain and wind - unlike the majority of the field.

With the most open Tour de France in years just two weeks away, the T-Mobile leader will take confidence from the victory, as well as the performance of his right-hand man, Linus Gerdemann, who finished seventh overall.

It was Ullrich's second Tour of Switzerland victory - his previous win here was two years ago - and the second time he chased down the leader in the final time-trial. His skill in this discipline in unquestioned. Whether he has what it takes in the mountains to prevail in the Tour de France remains to be seen