Today should be the toughest stage in the Alps with five climbs. First there is the 4th category Côte de Châtillon (a pimple), followed by Col de la Colombière (1st), Col des Aravis (2nd) and the Col des Saisies (1st) and then the big one – Col de la Madeleine, which is hors category at 2000 metres. However, the top of this last climb is 32 kilometres from the finish, although the next 20 kilometres is straight back down but this leaves another 13 k on the flat.
I suspect that there will only be a small number of top riders left together on the top of the Madeleine but there may not be a decisive shakeout between then as it would be possible to get a few seconds back on the run from the top of the col to the finish. Will Cadel still be in yellow tonight or will Andy Schleck have taken over?
I suspect that there will only be a small number of top riders left together on the top of the Madeleine but there may not be a decisive shakeout between then as it would be possible to get a few seconds back on the run from the top of the col to the finish. Will Cadel still be in yellow tonight or will Andy Schleck have taken over?
