Stage 20: Marcoussis to Paris Champs-Élysées

I really enjoyed last year's finale to the Tour. The final stage is always a Green Jersey fest, but the way that the race was run off in 2006 was classic attacking road racing. The final stage never sees much drama (barring Greg LeMond's stunning Time Trial victory in '89 of 8 seconds over local boy Laurent Fignon) but to see big hitters going on the attack to win this stage is always great to see - and that's what we got last year.

The final stage of the Tour is usually slow to start with champagne and jokes all round and stupidly quick to finish. It's also ONLY 130kms, so that'll just make it faster. The pace takes no prisoners either, on the cobbles of the Champs Elysee and although everyone takes care (because they want to finish) they are also desperate to win this stage.

Best place to watch?

Paris, obviously, the Place de la Concorde is usually good as the peloton stretches out or (if you can get anywhere near it) the Champs Elysee around the barriers that line the road - the corner by the Arc de Triomphe is a favourite spot of mine... This is the best day for the Tour caravan too as, although they've probably had enough of the public, they like to get rid of all the freebies in their vans. Also there is usually plenty of street entertainment and the cafes surrounding the circuit always enter into the spirit of the occasion. It's a great day out in one of the nicest cities in the world.

Take a picnic?

No way - this is Paris! Go to the rooftop café at Samaritaine for a coffee and crepe mid-morning. Then in the evening head off for a nice steak in the Marais district after all the fuss is over...

Thomas Voeckler on the attack?

Of course. As will all the other show-offs. A chance to get on TV on the biggest day of the year for the riders and the sport, so all the aggressive riders of the past three weeks will be out front. There will even be a few tasty looking breaks too with riders like Thor Husovd and Tom Boonen saving something for the sprint. Staying away though is futile as it's unspeakably fast. The Belgian teams will drag it all back together for a showdown for the sprinters.

So who will win?

Probably Robbie Mcewen as he's due a win on the final day. Tom Boonen has never made it to Paris and I know he wants to finish a Tour and even win the Green Jersey. If he makes it to Paris he may be pipped to Green by Robbie, but the speed of this race suits the Belgian's Quick Step team's racing strategies and he could come good here.

Guy Andrews is editor of Rouleur magazine www.rouleur.cc