And that seems like a good place to end today's live text. Thanks for your company today. The report is live and will be added to as more reaction comes in.
Remember it's a rest day tomorrow. There will be a column for Team Sky's Geraint Thomas to sate your Tour needs and Paul Fletcher will be back in the live chair on Tuesday for what is always one of the best days of the race.
It's 14 July, Bastille Day and that means there will be French riders galore going on the attack in the first day in the Pyrenees.
Porte's point of view
Team Sky's Richie Porte helped Chris Froome to the finish today. Here's his take on the stage: "It hurts to lose by under a second.
"It's a shame we were spread out on the last climb but we've taken time on most of our big rivals. That was a brutal team time trial. After 5km it was agony.
"The mountains are coming up now and we are ready to have a good crack at it."
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Andrew Harvey: Woah that was close! Great for Froome to keep yellow and not lose time on Quintana. Roll on the Pyrenees! #bbccycling
Standings after stage nine
Yellow Jersey
Classification
1. Chris Froome (GB) Team Sky 31hrs 34mins 12secs
2. Tejay van Garderen (US) BMC Racing +12secs
3. Greg Van Avermaet (Bel) BMC Racing +27secs
4. Peter Sagan (Svk) Tinkoff - Saxo +38secs
5. Alberto Contador (Spa) Tinkoff - Saxo +1min 03secs
6. Rigoberto Uran (Col) Etixx - Quick-Step +1min 18secs
7. Alejandro Valverde (Spa) Movistar +1min 50secs
8. Geraint Thomas (GB) Team Sky +1min 52secs
9. Nairo Quintana (Col) Movistar +1min 59secs
10. Zdenek Stybar (Cze) Etixx - Quick-Step Same time
Stage nine result
1. BMC Racing (US) 32mins 15secs
2. Team Sky (GB) +01sec
3. Movistar (Spa) +04secs
4. Tinkoff - Saxo (Rus) +28secs
5. Astana (Kaz) +35secs
Tejay speaks
Here's Tejay van Garderen: "We were getting positive splits. We knew we were on a good one. In a perfect world we'd have taken the stage victory and the yellow jersey but we'll take the stage win."
Post update
So, as we head into the rest day, Chris Froome leads.
Tejay van Garderen is second overall 12 seconds back.
Of the other main contenders, Contador is indeed one minute, three seconds adrift, Nairo Quintana one minute 59 seconds and defending champion Vincenzo Nibali two minutes, 22 seconds.
Post update
Rob Hayles
Former GB cyclist on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra
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A great day for Team Sky but they would have dearly loved to have added the stage win.
Contador dropping away
Early standings suggesting two-time Tour winner Alberto Contador is now 63 seconds behind Froome.
Froome retains yellow
Yellow Jersey
Classification
Chris Froome stays in yellow jersey.
BMC Racing win
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BMC Racing win team time trial
Team Sky second
They are round the final right. Everyone looking round, the man in fifth is really struggling. I think it's Nic Roche. Froome drops back and shouts encouragement.
They are over the line in 32 minutes, 16 seconds. They lose it by 0.62 seconds.
Post update
Rob Hayles
Former GB cyclist on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra
This is so tight. You cannot call this, for the stage win, other than the yellow jersey will be staying on the shoulders of Chris Froome.
Final kilo
Under the Flamme Rouge and Team Sky are down to their final five men. Richie Porte is still in there, so is Geraint Thomas and Nicolas Roche. Chris Froome is second wheel.
Team Sky on final climb
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Chris Froome is leading the Team Sky train as they hit the bottom of the final climb. The Cote de Davoudal is 1.7km long with an average gradient of 6.2%.
Have they kept enough in reserve for this final climb?
Team Sky have to be within 13 seconds of BMC to keep Froome in yellow.
BMC go quickest at finish
The fifth man is over the line and BMC Racing are the new leaders in 32 minutes, 15 seconds, four seconds quicker than Movistar.
The Movistar squad stand as one and prepare to leave the tent they have been sat in while they led the race.
Post update
Team Sky are down to six riders. BMC are down to five but they are at least inside the final kilometre.
Will Tejay van Garderen do enough to take the overall race lead? It looks like he's going to at least usurp Peter Sagan in second.
Quintana gains time on Contador
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Up at the finish, Peter Sagan is digging deep as he leads Tinkoff-Saxo and Alberto Contador over the line 24.5 seconds slower than Movistar's Nairo Quintana.
A big smile from the Colombian who has picked up time on two of the big four so far today.
He may still lose time to Chris Froome though. Team Sky were four seconds quicker than Movistar at 20.5km.
Team Sky quickest at 20.5km
Meanwhile, back at the 20.5km mark, Team Sky go quickest. They go through in 21 minutes, 50 seconds, one second quicker than BMC Racing.
Post update
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Tinkoff-Saxo are on the final climb. The pace is around 28km/h as they head up the 1.7km ascent to the finish.
Alberto Contador is out of his saddle with his trademark bouncy style, bike swinging from left to right underneath him.
Post update
Tinkoff-Saxo are down to six and can only afford to lose one more rider before they reach the finish line. Peter Sagan and Alberto Contador are in that sextet.
Post update
Rob Hayles
Former GB cyclist on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra
It's all about this final climb. You can lose a lot of time if you haven't gauged your effort correctly.
BMC quickest at 20.5km
There are a couple of brave kids sneaking out into the middle of the road to wave their flags as the BMC team whizzes by and they cross the line three seconds quicker than Movistar, 16 quicker than Tinkoff-Saxo.
Post update
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The BMC Racing squad is down to seven as they go under the 10km to arch. Team Sky have eight riders. Chris Froome dishing out the pain on the front of the train.
Team Sky can win - Portal
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Team Sky directeur sportif Nicolas Portal told to letour.com this morning: "It's a different ball game with two contenders in this TTT weakened. Etixx-Quick Step without Tony Martin is not the same thing and Orica-GreenEdge have only six riders left, one of them injured.
"Moreover a week of the Tour levels the chances. I think that with Richie Porte, Geraint Thomas, Ian Stannard and Chris Froome we have the riders for this kind of effort. I'm confident we can do very well in this time trial and even win it."
Contador losing ground on Quintana
At the 20.5km check, Tinkoff-Saxo are 13 seconds slower than Nairo Quintana's Movistar. That's Alberto Contador potentially losing time to the Colombian.
Sky level with BMC at 10km
The Tinkoff-Saxo train is flying along at a touch under 70km/h. They are down to eight riders with around 8km remaining.
Team Sky are doing around 35km/h but they are on an incline and approaching the 10km check. Chris Froome takes over the pace and it instantly climbs to the right side of 40km/h as they cross the line in exactly the same time as BMC Racing.
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Gregg Coull: Love watching a TTT - if only they were able to do them more often. Expect BMC to come out on top. #bbccycling
Didi the Devil
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Didi the Devil is back and frightening cyclists wherever he roams.
BMC quickest at 10km
Two police motorbikes part the crowds moments before the AG2R train comes zipping through.
Back at the 10km check, Alberto Contador's Tinkoff-Saxo team have gone quickest, two seconds quicker than Astana.
But that time is eclipsed by BMC, who go seven seconds clear of the field in a time of 10 minutes, 54 seconds.
What have Team Sky and Chris Froome got to offer?
Movistar magic
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Here come Movistar up to the line. Nairo Quintana is leading the team, alongside Alejandro Valverde and they cross the line in 32 minutes, 19 seconds to take the lead.
That is 31 seconds quicker than Astana's Vincenzo Nibali. The defending champion is losing time to the Colombian.
Now, what will the other teams be able to do?
Team Sky are off
Chris Froome had fun and games with his yellow skinsuit last night. He has, of course, got a Sky one but because he is race leader he has to wear one from the organisers.
It was getting various adjustments made to it and he was testing it for 45 minutes last night before it was taken away to have all the sponsors added to it.
Post update
The Team Sky boys are lining themselves up on the start ramp.
The current target time is Astana's 32 minutes, 50 seconds, although that could change. Whether Movistar, who were quickest at 20.5km will go quicker is unclear after their train derailed a short while ago.
BMC eyeing yellow
Yellow Jersey
Classification
BMC directeur sportif Yvon Ledanois said a little earlier today: "We're aware that we have the riders to win, we're the reigning world champions. If we don't have any problem, we'll be in yellow tonight. It would be a disappointment not to be."
BMC on the road
The BMC Racing squad of Tejay van Garderen, who is third overall, 13 seconds behind Chris Froome, head down the start ramp.
Movistar mess up
As I type that though the well-oiled machine falls apart. The riders have lost their rhythm on a climb. The fans are edging incredibly close to the action and several riders are gesticulating at the over-enthusiastic fans, trying to get them to move back.
It looks like Quintana shot off up a hill and his team-mates were unable to follow. As they reach the top they manage to get back together.
Movistar quickest at 20.5km
Eight luminous yellow jerseys, and the green of Peter Sagan, snake through the opening corners of the 28km route from Vannes to Plumelec as Tinkoff-Saxo get their challenge under way.
Movistar are looking a well-oiled machine. All nine riders are stil ltogether as they go through the 20.5km time check 18 seconds quicker than Astana.
That is great news for their leader Nairo Quintana.
Three to go
Just three teams left in the starting area then. But what a three. It's the Tinkoff-Saxo boys of Peter Sagan and Alberto Contador.BMC Racing, the world champions in this discipline, who have Tejay van Garderen in their ranks. And last to go at 15:45 is Team Sky.
Post update
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The camera flicks straight to Chris Froome, who is head down, earphones in, continuing his warm-up.
Etixx - Quick-Step next off the ramp. That's the team of Mark Cavendish. He's not bad when it's a flat team time trial, says his mate Rob Hayles on commentary.
He knows today will be too lumpy for him though and also reminds us that they are missing key man Tony Martin.
Nibali's Astana team lead
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Vincenzo Nibali takes over the pace-setting duties as the slope steepens and they head into the final kilometre.
There is no point in him shooting off though. The time is stopped when the fifth rider in the team crosses the line.
They swing round a right-hander, all five remaining riders out of the saddle, stomping on the pedals and they finish in 32 minutes, 50 seconds to set the new best mark by three seconds.
Post update
Rob Hayles
Former GB cyclist on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra
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If you do finish with more than five riders, the chances are that your team has not gone as fast as it can. The bigger riders should do all the heavy work on the flat so the lighter guys can hit the bottom of the final climb as fresh as possible.
Post update
Just 20 minutes until Team Sky are on the course. They are all furiously pedalling on the rollers, warming those legs up.
Astana are down to just six riders as they hit the bottom of the climb top the finish - the Cote de Cadoudal. It is 1.7km long with an average gradient of 6.2%.
Post update
Matt Slater
BBC Sport at the Tour de France
French papers full of Alexis Vuillermoz's win yesterday and he seems like a lovely chap. A former mountain-bike star who came late to road cycling, the 27-year-old is now not so quietly having a very good year.
He was sixth at Fleche Wallonne and then third up the Mur de Huy on Monday. So he likes short, punchy climbs.
I am not expecting huge amounts from him in the team time trial though.
AG2R - La Mondiale might win the battle of the French squads over the 28km course but that is not saying much. A bit like Arsene Wenger and spending money on proven players, the French teams seem to think time trialling well is tantamount to cheating.
Astana still quickest
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Astana are continuing to push on and they are through the 20.5km time check in 22 minutes, 12 seconds - that's four seconds quicker than the previous best time set by IAM Cycling.
Teklehaimanot finished
Polkadot Jersey
Classification
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King of the Mountains leader Daniel Teklehaimanot has just finished with his MTN-Qhubeka team-mates to complete a stunning first week for the African-based team.
Teklehaimanot is the first black African rider to wear one of the big Tour classification jerseys and he will take it into the Pyrenees on Bastille Day, which is an incredible honour for the Eritrean.
He was fifth over the line and their time of 34 minutes, 11 seconds is good enough for eighth at this stage.
Movistar moving
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Valverde won the race to Plumelec seven years ago to take the yellow jerseyImage caption: Valverde won the race to Plumelec seven years ago to take the yellow jersey
Movistar are the next on the ramp. Alejandro Valverde won stage one of the 2008 Tour de France, which had this same finish in Plumelec, to take the yellow jersey.
The Spaniard is too far down in the standings (one minute, 47 seconds adrift of Chris Froome) to challenge and his team will be more focused on getting Nairo Quintana, who is nine seconds further back, up the standings.
They have Britain's Alex Dowsett in their team - the man who held the hour world record before Sir Bradley Wiggins surpassed it. Dowsett, who is also national time trial champion, injured his elbow earlier in the Tour though and may be a little uncomfortable on the bars today.
As an aside, Froome and Vincenzo Nibali were making their Tour debuts in 2008.
Longest individual time trial
Simon Brotherton
Cycling commentator on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra
Vannes hosted the start of an individual time trial in 1947, the first post-war Tour de France. It was 139km to Saint Brieuc and remains the longest individual time trial in the history of the race.
Nibali's team down to seven
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Astana have lost a couple of riders already. "That's not great news for Vincenzo Nibali," says Rob Hayles on commentary.
They have just gone through the 10km time check quickest, one second ahead of the IAM Cycling team, who are in turn just setting the fastest time at the finish.
They cross in 32 minutes, 53 seconds to take the clubhouse lead by 10 seconds.
Gallopin misses out
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Lotto-Soudal are over fourth quickest, 48 seconds slower than Lampre-Merida.
That ends Frenchman Tony Gallopin's hopes of wearing the yellow jersey on Bastille Day when the race resumes on Tuesday after Monday's rest day.
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Mike Whittaker: What would happen if at the start of the day a team only had 3 or 4 riders (with 5th rider to score)?
Matt Taggart replies: Those remaining in the race are required to complete the course within the permitted finishing time (which is 30% of winning time). So I "think" OGE are safe unless someone beats 26min 3sec... Surely that can't happen on a hilly TT stage? #bbccycling
A quiet Sunday afternoon
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BBC Sport's Gemma Sterba has been out with her camera again today and this little lot somehow caught her attention, having a quiet afternoon in Brittany.
My colleagues Simon and Rob are now live on 5 live sports extra, or this very website if you prefer.
Nibali down the ramp
Here goes the Astana team of defending champion Vincenzo Nibali. The Italian has been losing time hand over fist in the opening week and is already one minute, 48 seconds adrift of Chris Froome.
Can Nibali claw back any time today? We'll know in about half an hour.
Listen to the podcast
Rob Hayles
Former GB cyclist on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra
Radio commentary with Simon Brotherton and Rob Hayles starting up in five minutes.
Here's what Rob had to say in last night's podcast...
"On a scale of one to 10, this team time trial is an eight or nine in terms of importance for the general classification riders.
"It's an opportunity for some riders to take 20-30 seconds out of each other. That's quite a big margin and some riders can't afford to lose that.
"Team Sky are all or nothing but the way the guys are riding they are incredibly strong and they've got most to gain. BMC also have a lot to gain with Tejay van Garderen, who is third overall. They could be on the top step of the podium.
"It's all about timing and not leaving too much out on the road too early because if you've given everything, you could lose an awful lot of time on the final 1.5km climb."
Lampre-Merida are the quickest of the four teams to finish the course so far in a time of 33 minutes, 03 seconds.
Exactly half of the 22 teams have departed Vannes.
"A fast course"
Britain's Simon Yates has just been giving his thoughts on his Orica GreenEdge team's ride. "We didn't go full gas. There was no point in dropping Michael Matthews and then him missing the time cut. It's a fast course though.
Relive the first week
Speaking of the opening week...(seamless eh? we don't just throw this live text together) ain't technology a wonderful thing? It enables us to get a cyclists' eye view of racing in the Tour de France. Enjoy...
Le Tour de France: Revivez les meilleurs moments de cette 1ère semaine / Take a look back at the 1st week of the #TDF2015
Geraint's thoughts
We are one hour from seeing the Team Sky boys head down the ramp.
BBC Sport spoke to Geraint Thomas a little earlier: "If we did lose the yellow jersey today it wouldn't be the end of the world.
"The first day after Monday's rest day is Bastille day, and there is a big chance a breakaway could win the stage as there's only the one big climb at the end. To control the race on a day like that takes quite a lot of effort.
"But certainly in terms of the morale we'd like to keep it. We're off at 15:45 and we'll start warming up at 15:00 local time. Before that we'll be having a team meeting but basically we'll just be resting up, relaxing, that's about it."
You will be able to read Geraint's thoughts on the opening week in his latest blog which will be on the BBC Sport website on Monday's rest day.
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David Reeves: Great view in Vannes as the teams go by, ready to cheer on @chrisfroome and @TeamSky #LeTour2015 #bbccycling
Gallopin on the road
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Tony Gallopin's Lotto-Soudal team have just headed off down the ramp. They are not renowned as a great time trial team. He is 26 seconds adrift of Froome.
Orica GreenEdge are edging towards the finish. There are thousands upon thousands of fans out on the roadside, waving their distinctive black and white Breton flags.
Over the line they go and stop the clock at 37 minutes, 13 seconds. Don't expect that time to last though.
Orica well down
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The Orica GreenEdge riders are all sticking together round this 28km course. Michael Matthews is sitting at the back and being nursed round by his team-mates.
With three teams through the first time check, at 10km, Orica are the slowest, one minute, 45 seconds off the pace of Lampre.
Post update
Matt Slater
BBC Sport at the Tour de France
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Two years ago in Nice, Orica-GreenEdge stormed to a brilliant team time trial victory that put Simon Gerrans in yellow, tied on time with team-mates Michael Albasini and Daryl Impey.
Today, the team's six survivors were the first down the ramp and their primary goal must be to stay in front of Bretagne - Seche Environnement, the wildcards starting five minutes behind them.
Gerrans, Albasini and Impey have all left the race with broken bones after that dramatic crash on Monday, and Michael Matthews has struggled on with two broken ribs. Some think he may struggle to make the time cut today, as it is based on a percentage of the winning time, although there is a suggestion the race organisers will turn a blind eye given the relative lateness of this team time trial in the race schedule, Matthews' brave ride and the opportunity for recovery in Monday's rest day.
Either way, today will hurt him and his team-mates. A lot.
There will be live commentary from Simon Brotherton and Rob Hayles on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra (and this website) from 15:00 BST.
Rob and Si have sent in their predictions for the team time trial, along with roving reporter Matt Slater.
Rob is going for BMC to win the stage and Chris Froome to retain the yellow jersey.
Simon is saying Movistar and Froome.
Matt is predicting a close-run thing but has picked BMC to have the perfect day by winning the stage and putting Tejay van Garderen into yellow.
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John McHugh: In position as the clouds start to part for #letour2015 #Stage9 #timetrial #bbccycling
The permutations
Yellow Jersey
Classification
So, if Tinkoff-Saxo go 12 seconds quicker than Sky, super Slovakian Peter Sagan will take the yellow jersey (and Alberto Contador, one of Chris Froome's main rivals for the overall win, will reduce his 36-second deficit).
If BMC go 14 seconds faster than Sky, American Tejay van Garderen will take the Maillot Jaune.
A less likely scenario of Lotto-Soudal beating Sky by 27 seconds (and the other two by the required margin) would put a Frenchman in yellow - Tony Gallopin.
Standings after stage eight
Yellow Jersey
Classification
1 Chris Froome (GB) Team Sky 31hrs 01mins 56secs
2 Peter Sagan (Svk) Tinkoff-Saxo +11 secs
3 Tejay van Garderen (US) BMC Racing +13secs
4 Tony Gallopin (Fra) Lotto-Soudal +26secs
5 Greg van Avermaert (Bel) BMC Racing +28secs
The starting list (all times BST)
The first three teams are out on the course and the rest follow at five-minute intervals.
14:00 Orica-GreenEdge (Adam & Simon Yates)
14:05 Bretagne Seche Environnement
14:10 Lampre-Merida
14:15 FDJ
14:20 Europcar
14:25 Bora-Argon 18
14:30 Lotto-Soudal (Tony Gallopin)
14:35 IAM Cycling
14:40 MTN-Qhubeka (Steve Cummings)
14:45 LottoNL-Jumbo
14:50 Trek Factory Racing
14:55 Astana (Vincenzo Nibali)
15:00 Cannondale-Garmin
15:05 Cofidis
15:10 Katusha
15:15 Movistar (Alex Dowsett, Nairo Quintana)
15:20 Giant-Alpecin
15:25 Ag2r La Mondiale
15:30 Etixx - Quick-Step (Mark Cavendish)
15:35 Tinkoff-Saxo (Alberto Contador, Peter Sagan)
15:40 BMC Racing (Tejay van Garderen)
15:45 Team Sky (Chris Froome plus Geraint Thomas, Luke Rowe, Ian Stannard & Peter Kennaugh)
Geraint's guide
Tour de FranceCopyright: Tour de France
Read Geraint's stage-by-stage guide: "The tactics for a team time trial are simple: ride as fast you can and get the fifth guy over the line as quickly as possible because that is when the clock stops and all the riders in your team get credited with that time.
"It's a bit different to a normal team time trial because the profile is quite lumpy, and after eight days of hard racing there'll be a few teams who don't start with nine riders but six or seven. When you have to finish with five that will make it harder again."
Post update
Rob Hayles
Former GB cyclist on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra
Just driven today's team time trial route. Glad I was in the car. Let's just say it's a 'sporting course'. Big big crowds pretty much most of it too.
Orica first out
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Rob Hayles on BBC commentary suggested Matthews would need to be touching up his tattoo after crashing on stage threeImage caption: Rob Hayles on BBC commentary suggested Matthews would need to be touching up his tattoo after crashing on stage three
Orica-GreenEdge was the last squad to win a Tour de France team time trial, two years ago, but their chances of repeating that today are pretty slim.
They have had a torrid opening week and were first down the ramp at 14:00 BST.
Simon Gerrans, Daryl Impey and Michael Albasini have all abandoned, while Michael Matthews is soldiering on after breaking ribs in a crash on stage three and is last in the standings - the Lanterne Rouge.
Britain's Adam Yates, who rides for the Australian-based team, is putting a brave face on it.
He told BBC Sport: "We're down to six guys. five guys and one guy pretty bunged up. we'll do what we can and hope for the best."
Post update
BBCCopyright: BBC
Hello and welcome to live text and radio commentary of stage nine of the 2015 Tour de France.
Britain's Chris Froome retained the yellow jersey on Saturday after finishing eighth, 10 seconds behind stage winner Alexis Vuillermoz - the first French victor of this year's race.
No time to dwell on stage eight though. We are off and cycling with a 28km team time trial from Vannes to Plumelec.
Froome on form
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Race leader Chris Froome's assessment of Saturday's stage eight: "It's another day we can tick off. The guys did a great job again bringing me in to the final climb at the front.
"I was quite surprised to hear I gained time on Vincenzo Nibali. Hopefully we've kept something in reserve for Sunday's team time trial."
Live Reporting
Peter Scrivener
All times stated are UK
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Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images Valverde won the race to Plumelec seven years ago to take the yellow jerseyImage caption: Valverde won the race to Plumelec seven years ago to take the yellow jersey 
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Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images Rob Hayles on BBC commentary suggested Matthews would need to be touching up his tattoo after crashing on stage threeImage caption: Rob Hayles on BBC commentary suggested Matthews would need to be touching up his tattoo after crashing on stage three 
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Latest PostThis is the end
And that seems like a good place to end today's live text. Thanks for your company today. The report is live and will be added to as more reaction comes in.
Remember it's a rest day tomorrow. There will be a column for Team Sky's Geraint Thomas to sate your Tour needs and Paul Fletcher will be back in the live chair on Tuesday for what is always one of the best days of the race.
It's 14 July, Bastille Day and that means there will be French riders galore going on the attack in the first day in the Pyrenees.
Porte's point of view
Team Sky's Richie Porte helped Chris Froome to the finish today. Here's his take on the stage: "It hurts to lose by under a second.
"It's a shame we were spread out on the last climb but we've taken time on most of our big rivals. That was a brutal team time trial. After 5km it was agony.
"The mountains are coming up now and we are ready to have a good crack at it."
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Andrew Harvey: Woah that was close! Great for Froome to keep yellow and not lose time on Quintana. Roll on the Pyrenees! #bbccycling
Standings after stage nine
Yellow Jersey
Classification
1. Chris Froome (GB) Team Sky 31hrs 34mins 12secs
2. Tejay van Garderen (US) BMC Racing +12secs
3. Greg Van Avermaet (Bel) BMC Racing +27secs
4. Peter Sagan (Svk) Tinkoff - Saxo +38secs
5. Alberto Contador (Spa) Tinkoff - Saxo +1min 03secs
6. Rigoberto Uran (Col) Etixx - Quick-Step +1min 18secs
7. Alejandro Valverde (Spa) Movistar +1min 50secs
8. Geraint Thomas (GB) Team Sky +1min 52secs
9. Nairo Quintana (Col) Movistar +1min 59secs
10. Zdenek Stybar (Cze) Etixx - Quick-Step Same time
Stage nine result
1. BMC Racing (US) 32mins 15secs
2. Team Sky (GB) +01sec
3. Movistar (Spa) +04secs
4. Tinkoff - Saxo (Rus) +28secs
5. Astana (Kaz) +35secs
Tejay speaks
Here's Tejay van Garderen: "We were getting positive splits. We knew we were on a good one. In a perfect world we'd have taken the stage victory and the yellow jersey but we'll take the stage win."
Post update
So, as we head into the rest day, Chris Froome leads.
Tejay van Garderen is second overall 12 seconds back.
Of the other main contenders, Contador is indeed one minute, three seconds adrift, Nairo Quintana one minute 59 seconds and defending champion Vincenzo Nibali two minutes, 22 seconds.
Post update
Rob Hayles
Former GB cyclist on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra
A great day for Team Sky but they would have dearly loved to have added the stage win.
Contador dropping away
Early standings suggesting two-time Tour winner Alberto Contador is now 63 seconds behind Froome.
Froome retains yellow
Yellow Jersey
Classification
Chris Froome stays in yellow jersey.
BMC Racing win
BMC Racing win team time trial
Team Sky second
They are round the final right. Everyone looking round, the man in fifth is really struggling. I think it's Nic Roche. Froome drops back and shouts encouragement.
They are over the line in 32 minutes, 16 seconds. They lose it by 0.62 seconds.
Post update
Rob Hayles
Former GB cyclist on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra
This is so tight. You cannot call this, for the stage win, other than the yellow jersey will be staying on the shoulders of Chris Froome.
Final kilo
Under the Flamme Rouge and Team Sky are down to their final five men. Richie Porte is still in there, so is Geraint Thomas and Nicolas Roche. Chris Froome is second wheel.
Team Sky on final climb
Chris Froome is leading the Team Sky train as they hit the bottom of the final climb. The Cote de Davoudal is 1.7km long with an average gradient of 6.2%.
Have they kept enough in reserve for this final climb?
Team Sky have to be within 13 seconds of BMC to keep Froome in yellow.
BMC go quickest at finish
The fifth man is over the line and BMC Racing are the new leaders in 32 minutes, 15 seconds, four seconds quicker than Movistar.
The Movistar squad stand as one and prepare to leave the tent they have been sat in while they led the race.
Post update
Team Sky are down to six riders. BMC are down to five but they are at least inside the final kilometre.
Will Tejay van Garderen do enough to take the overall race lead? It looks like he's going to at least usurp Peter Sagan in second.
Quintana gains time on Contador
Up at the finish, Peter Sagan is digging deep as he leads Tinkoff-Saxo and Alberto Contador over the line 24.5 seconds slower than Movistar's Nairo Quintana.
A big smile from the Colombian who has picked up time on two of the big four so far today.
He may still lose time to Chris Froome though. Team Sky were four seconds quicker than Movistar at 20.5km.
Team Sky quickest at 20.5km
Meanwhile, back at the 20.5km mark, Team Sky go quickest. They go through in 21 minutes, 50 seconds, one second quicker than BMC Racing.
Post update
Tinkoff-Saxo are on the final climb. The pace is around 28km/h as they head up the 1.7km ascent to the finish.
Alberto Contador is out of his saddle with his trademark bouncy style, bike swinging from left to right underneath him.
Post update
Tinkoff-Saxo are down to six and can only afford to lose one more rider before they reach the finish line. Peter Sagan and Alberto Contador are in that sextet.
Post update
Rob Hayles
Former GB cyclist on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra
It's all about this final climb. You can lose a lot of time if you haven't gauged your effort correctly.
BMC quickest at 20.5km
There are a couple of brave kids sneaking out into the middle of the road to wave their flags as the BMC team whizzes by and they cross the line three seconds quicker than Movistar, 16 quicker than Tinkoff-Saxo.
Post update
The BMC Racing squad is down to seven as they go under the 10km to arch. Team Sky have eight riders. Chris Froome dishing out the pain on the front of the train.
Team Sky can win - Portal
Team Sky directeur sportif Nicolas Portal told to letour.com this morning: "It's a different ball game with two contenders in this TTT weakened. Etixx-Quick Step without Tony Martin is not the same thing and Orica-GreenEdge have only six riders left, one of them injured.
"Moreover a week of the Tour levels the chances. I think that with Richie Porte, Geraint Thomas, Ian Stannard and Chris Froome we have the riders for this kind of effort. I'm confident we can do very well in this time trial and even win it."
Contador losing ground on Quintana
At the 20.5km check, Tinkoff-Saxo are 13 seconds slower than Nairo Quintana's Movistar. That's Alberto Contador potentially losing time to the Colombian.
Sky level with BMC at 10km
The Tinkoff-Saxo train is flying along at a touch under 70km/h. They are down to eight riders with around 8km remaining.
Team Sky are doing around 35km/h but they are on an incline and approaching the 10km check. Chris Froome takes over the pace and it instantly climbs to the right side of 40km/h as they cross the line in exactly the same time as BMC Racing.
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Gregg Coull: Love watching a TTT - if only they were able to do them more often. Expect BMC to come out on top. #bbccycling
Didi the Devil
Didi the Devil is back and frightening cyclists wherever he roams.
BMC quickest at 10km
Two police motorbikes part the crowds moments before the AG2R train comes zipping through.
Back at the 10km check, Alberto Contador's Tinkoff-Saxo team have gone quickest, two seconds quicker than Astana.
But that time is eclipsed by BMC, who go seven seconds clear of the field in a time of 10 minutes, 54 seconds.
What have Team Sky and Chris Froome got to offer?
Movistar magic
Here come Movistar up to the line. Nairo Quintana is leading the team, alongside Alejandro Valverde and they cross the line in 32 minutes, 19 seconds to take the lead.
That is 31 seconds quicker than Astana's Vincenzo Nibali. The defending champion is losing time to the Colombian.
Now, what will the other teams be able to do?
Team Sky are off
Chris Froome had fun and games with his yellow skinsuit last night. He has, of course, got a Sky one but because he is race leader he has to wear one from the organisers.
It was getting various adjustments made to it and he was testing it for 45 minutes last night before it was taken away to have all the sponsors added to it.
Post update
The Team Sky boys are lining themselves up on the start ramp.
The current target time is Astana's 32 minutes, 50 seconds, although that could change. Whether Movistar, who were quickest at 20.5km will go quicker is unclear after their train derailed a short while ago.
BMC eyeing yellow
Yellow Jersey
Classification
BMC directeur sportif Yvon Ledanois said a little earlier today: "We're aware that we have the riders to win, we're the reigning world champions. If we don't have any problem, we'll be in yellow tonight. It would be a disappointment not to be."
BMC on the road
The BMC Racing squad of Tejay van Garderen, who is third overall, 13 seconds behind Chris Froome, head down the start ramp.
Movistar mess up
As I type that though the well-oiled machine falls apart. The riders have lost their rhythm on a climb. The fans are edging incredibly close to the action and several riders are gesticulating at the over-enthusiastic fans, trying to get them to move back.
It looks like Quintana shot off up a hill and his team-mates were unable to follow. As they reach the top they manage to get back together.
Movistar quickest at 20.5km
Eight luminous yellow jerseys, and the green of Peter Sagan, snake through the opening corners of the 28km route from Vannes to Plumelec as Tinkoff-Saxo get their challenge under way.
Movistar are looking a well-oiled machine. All nine riders are stil ltogether as they go through the 20.5km time check 18 seconds quicker than Astana.
That is great news for their leader Nairo Quintana.
Three to go
Just three teams left in the starting area then. But what a three. It's the Tinkoff-Saxo boys of Peter Sagan and Alberto Contador.BMC Racing, the world champions in this discipline, who have Tejay van Garderen in their ranks. And last to go at 15:45 is Team Sky.
Post update
The camera flicks straight to Chris Froome, who is head down, earphones in, continuing his warm-up.
Etixx - Quick-Step next off the ramp. That's the team of Mark Cavendish. He's not bad when it's a flat team time trial, says his mate Rob Hayles on commentary.
He knows today will be too lumpy for him though and also reminds us that they are missing key man Tony Martin.
Nibali's Astana team lead
Vincenzo Nibali takes over the pace-setting duties as the slope steepens and they head into the final kilometre.
There is no point in him shooting off though. The time is stopped when the fifth rider in the team crosses the line.
They swing round a right-hander, all five remaining riders out of the saddle, stomping on the pedals and they finish in 32 minutes, 50 seconds to set the new best mark by three seconds.
Post update
Rob Hayles
Former GB cyclist on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra
If you do finish with more than five riders, the chances are that your team has not gone as fast as it can. The bigger riders should do all the heavy work on the flat so the lighter guys can hit the bottom of the final climb as fresh as possible.
Post update
Just 20 minutes until Team Sky are on the course. They are all furiously pedalling on the rollers, warming those legs up.
Astana are down to just six riders as they hit the bottom of the climb top the finish - the Cote de Cadoudal. It is 1.7km long with an average gradient of 6.2%.
Post update
Matt Slater
BBC Sport at the Tour de France
French papers full of Alexis Vuillermoz's win yesterday and he seems like a lovely chap. A former mountain-bike star who came late to road cycling, the 27-year-old is now not so quietly having a very good year.
He was sixth at Fleche Wallonne and then third up the Mur de Huy on Monday. So he likes short, punchy climbs.
I am not expecting huge amounts from him in the team time trial though.
AG2R - La Mondiale might win the battle of the French squads over the 28km course but that is not saying much. A bit like Arsene Wenger and spending money on proven players, the French teams seem to think time trialling well is tantamount to cheating.
Astana still quickest
Astana are continuing to push on and they are through the 20.5km time check in 22 minutes, 12 seconds - that's four seconds quicker than the previous best time set by IAM Cycling.
Teklehaimanot finished
Polkadot Jersey
Classification
King of the Mountains leader Daniel Teklehaimanot has just finished with his MTN-Qhubeka team-mates to complete a stunning first week for the African-based team.
Teklehaimanot is the first black African rider to wear one of the big Tour classification jerseys and he will take it into the Pyrenees on Bastille Day, which is an incredible honour for the Eritrean.
He was fifth over the line and their time of 34 minutes, 11 seconds is good enough for eighth at this stage.
Movistar moving
Movistar are the next on the ramp. Alejandro Valverde won stage one of the 2008 Tour de France, which had this same finish in Plumelec, to take the yellow jersey.
The Spaniard is too far down in the standings (one minute, 47 seconds adrift of Chris Froome) to challenge and his team will be more focused on getting Nairo Quintana, who is nine seconds further back, up the standings.
They have Britain's Alex Dowsett in their team - the man who held the hour world record before Sir Bradley Wiggins surpassed it. Dowsett, who is also national time trial champion, injured his elbow earlier in the Tour though and may be a little uncomfortable on the bars today.
As an aside, Froome and Vincenzo Nibali were making their Tour debuts in 2008.
Longest individual time trial
Simon Brotherton
Cycling commentator on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra
Vannes hosted the start of an individual time trial in 1947, the first post-war Tour de France. It was 139km to Saint Brieuc and remains the longest individual time trial in the history of the race.
Nibali's team down to seven
Astana have lost a couple of riders already. "That's not great news for Vincenzo Nibali," says Rob Hayles on commentary.
They have just gone through the 10km time check quickest, one second ahead of the IAM Cycling team, who are in turn just setting the fastest time at the finish.
They cross in 32 minutes, 53 seconds to take the clubhouse lead by 10 seconds.
Gallopin misses out
Lotto-Soudal are over fourth quickest, 48 seconds slower than Lampre-Merida.
That ends Frenchman Tony Gallopin's hopes of wearing the yellow jersey on Bastille Day when the race resumes on Tuesday after Monday's rest day.
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Mike Whittaker: What would happen if at the start of the day a team only had 3 or 4 riders (with 5th rider to score)?
Matt Taggart replies: Those remaining in the race are required to complete the course within the permitted finishing time (which is 30% of winning time). So I "think" OGE are safe unless someone beats 26min 3sec... Surely that can't happen on a hilly TT stage? #bbccycling
A quiet Sunday afternoon
BBC Sport's Gemma Sterba has been out with her camera again today and this little lot somehow caught her attention, having a quiet afternoon in Brittany.
My colleagues Simon and Rob are now live on 5 live sports extra, or this very website if you prefer.
Nibali down the ramp
Here goes the Astana team of defending champion Vincenzo Nibali. The Italian has been losing time hand over fist in the opening week and is already one minute, 48 seconds adrift of Chris Froome.
Can Nibali claw back any time today? We'll know in about half an hour.
Listen to the podcast
Rob Hayles
Former GB cyclist on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra
Radio commentary with Simon Brotherton and Rob Hayles starting up in five minutes.
Here's what Rob had to say in last night's podcast...
"On a scale of one to 10, this team time trial is an eight or nine in terms of importance for the general classification riders.
"It's an opportunity for some riders to take 20-30 seconds out of each other. That's quite a big margin and some riders can't afford to lose that.
"Team Sky are all or nothing but the way the guys are riding they are incredibly strong and they've got most to gain. BMC also have a lot to gain with Tejay van Garderen, who is third overall. They could be on the top step of the podium.
"It's all about timing and not leaving too much out on the road too early because if you've given everything, you could lose an awful lot of time on the final 1.5km climb."
Listen to more on the podcast.
Post update
Lampre-Merida are the quickest of the four teams to finish the course so far in a time of 33 minutes, 03 seconds.
Exactly half of the 22 teams have departed Vannes.
"A fast course"
Britain's Simon Yates has just been giving his thoughts on his Orica GreenEdge team's ride. "We didn't go full gas. There was no point in dropping Michael Matthews and then him missing the time cut. It's a fast course though.
Relive the first week
Speaking of the opening week...(seamless eh? we don't just throw this live text together) ain't technology a wonderful thing? It enables us to get a cyclists' eye view of racing in the Tour de France. Enjoy...
Le Tour de France: Revivez les meilleurs moments de cette 1ère semaine / Take a look back at the 1st week of the #TDF2015
Geraint's thoughts
We are one hour from seeing the Team Sky boys head down the ramp.
BBC Sport spoke to Geraint Thomas a little earlier: "If we did lose the yellow jersey today it wouldn't be the end of the world.
"The first day after Monday's rest day is Bastille day, and there is a big chance a breakaway could win the stage as there's only the one big climb at the end. To control the race on a day like that takes quite a lot of effort.
"But certainly in terms of the morale we'd like to keep it. We're off at 15:45 and we'll start warming up at 15:00 local time. Before that we'll be having a team meeting but basically we'll just be resting up, relaxing, that's about it."
You will be able to read Geraint's thoughts on the opening week in his latest blog which will be on the BBC Sport website on Monday's rest day.
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David Reeves: Great view in Vannes as the teams go by, ready to cheer on @chrisfroome and @TeamSky #LeTour2015 #bbccycling
Gallopin on the road
Tony Gallopin's Lotto-Soudal team have just headed off down the ramp. They are not renowned as a great time trial team. He is 26 seconds adrift of Froome.
Orica GreenEdge are edging towards the finish. There are thousands upon thousands of fans out on the roadside, waving their distinctive black and white Breton flags.
Over the line they go and stop the clock at 37 minutes, 13 seconds. Don't expect that time to last though.
Orica well down
The Orica GreenEdge riders are all sticking together round this 28km course. Michael Matthews is sitting at the back and being nursed round by his team-mates.
With three teams through the first time check, at 10km, Orica are the slowest, one minute, 45 seconds off the pace of Lampre.
Post update
Matt Slater
BBC Sport at the Tour de France
Two years ago in Nice, Orica-GreenEdge stormed to a brilliant team time trial victory that put Simon Gerrans in yellow, tied on time with team-mates Michael Albasini and Daryl Impey.
Today, the team's six survivors were the first down the ramp and their primary goal must be to stay in front of Bretagne - Seche Environnement, the wildcards starting five minutes behind them.
Gerrans, Albasini and Impey have all left the race with broken bones after that dramatic crash on Monday, and Michael Matthews has struggled on with two broken ribs. Some think he may struggle to make the time cut today, as it is based on a percentage of the winning time, although there is a suggestion the race organisers will turn a blind eye given the relative lateness of this team time trial in the race schedule, Matthews' brave ride and the opportunity for recovery in Monday's rest day.
Either way, today will hurt him and his team-mates. A lot.
BBC predictions
BBC Radio 5 live sports extra
There will be live commentary from Simon Brotherton and Rob Hayles on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra (and this website) from 15:00 BST.
Rob and Si have sent in their predictions for the team time trial, along with roving reporter Matt Slater.
Rob is going for BMC to win the stage and Chris Froome to retain the yellow jersey.
Simon is saying Movistar and Froome.
Matt is predicting a close-run thing but has picked BMC to have the perfect day by winning the stage and putting Tejay van Garderen into yellow.
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John McHugh: In position as the clouds start to part for #letour2015 #Stage9 #timetrial #bbccycling
The permutations
Yellow Jersey
Classification
So, if Tinkoff-Saxo go 12 seconds quicker than Sky, super Slovakian Peter Sagan will take the yellow jersey (and Alberto Contador, one of Chris Froome's main rivals for the overall win, will reduce his 36-second deficit).
If BMC go 14 seconds faster than Sky, American Tejay van Garderen will take the Maillot Jaune.
A less likely scenario of Lotto-Soudal beating Sky by 27 seconds (and the other two by the required margin) would put a Frenchman in yellow - Tony Gallopin.
Standings after stage eight
Yellow Jersey
Classification
1 Chris Froome (GB) Team Sky 31hrs 01mins 56secs
2 Peter Sagan (Svk) Tinkoff-Saxo +11 secs
3 Tejay van Garderen (US) BMC Racing +13secs
4 Tony Gallopin (Fra) Lotto-Soudal +26secs
5 Greg van Avermaert (Bel) BMC Racing +28secs
The starting list (all times BST)
The first three teams are out on the course and the rest follow at five-minute intervals.
14:00 Orica-GreenEdge (Adam & Simon Yates)
14:05 Bretagne Seche Environnement
14:10 Lampre-Merida
14:15 FDJ
14:20 Europcar
14:25 Bora-Argon 18
14:30 Lotto-Soudal (Tony Gallopin)
14:35 IAM Cycling
14:40 MTN-Qhubeka (Steve Cummings)
14:45 LottoNL-Jumbo
14:50 Trek Factory Racing
14:55 Astana (Vincenzo Nibali)
15:00 Cannondale-Garmin
15:05 Cofidis
15:10 Katusha
15:15 Movistar (Alex Dowsett, Nairo Quintana)
15:20 Giant-Alpecin
15:25 Ag2r La Mondiale
15:30 Etixx - Quick-Step (Mark Cavendish)
15:35 Tinkoff-Saxo (Alberto Contador, Peter Sagan)
15:40 BMC Racing (Tejay van Garderen)
15:45 Team Sky (Chris Froome plus Geraint Thomas, Luke Rowe, Ian Stannard & Peter Kennaugh)
Geraint's guide
Read Geraint's stage-by-stage guide: "The tactics for a team time trial are simple: ride as fast you can and get the fifth guy over the line as quickly as possible because that is when the clock stops and all the riders in your team get credited with that time.
"It's a bit different to a normal team time trial because the profile is quite lumpy, and after eight days of hard racing there'll be a few teams who don't start with nine riders but six or seven. When you have to finish with five that will make it harder again."
Post update
Rob Hayles
Former GB cyclist on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra
Just driven today's team time trial route. Glad I was in the car. Let's just say it's a 'sporting course'. Big big crowds pretty much most of it too.
Orica first out
Orica-GreenEdge was the last squad to win a Tour de France team time trial, two years ago, but their chances of repeating that today are pretty slim.
They have had a torrid opening week and were first down the ramp at 14:00 BST.
Simon Gerrans, Daryl Impey and Michael Albasini have all abandoned, while Michael Matthews is soldiering on after breaking ribs in a crash on stage three and is last in the standings - the Lanterne Rouge.
Britain's Adam Yates, who rides for the Australian-based team, is putting a brave face on it.
He told BBC Sport: "We're down to six guys. five guys and one guy pretty bunged up. we'll do what we can and hope for the best."
Post update
Hello and welcome to live text and radio commentary of stage nine of the 2015 Tour de France.
Britain's Chris Froome retained the yellow jersey on Saturday after finishing eighth, 10 seconds behind stage winner Alexis Vuillermoz - the first French victor of this year's race.
No time to dwell on stage eight though. We are off and cycling with a 28km team time trial from Vannes to Plumelec.
Froome on form
Race leader Chris Froome's assessment of Saturday's stage eight: "It's another day we can tick off. The guys did a great job again bringing me in to the final climb at the front.
"I was quite surprised to hear I gained time on Vincenzo Nibali. Hopefully we've kept something in reserve for Sunday's team time trial."