Excitement has been building as the 2011 Tour de France draws to a close with a clear winner yet to be established. The route leaves Italy today and returns to France in what riders are predicting will be a decisive stage for the overall contenders in the race. History will also be made in that the line atop the Galibier will mark the highest ever finish to a Tour de France stage at 2,645 metres above sea level.
“We have spoken about the Alps for such a long time, and now they are finally coming,” said Andy Schleck of Leopard Trek. “We have longed for this stage. The weather looks good. The concern that bad weather would force a route change now seems unrealistic.”
There was talk earlier in the week that organisers might have to shorten the stage for fear of snow covering the ascent of the Galibier, however, sunny conditions are expected with the race said to go on as normal.
“We’re hoping for an open race with lots of attacks,” added Andy’s older brother Fränk. “In the Pyrenees, many contenders rode cautiously. We expect things to be different in the Alps. We’re looking forward to this, and we feel confident after the results of [yesterday].”
The route includes three Hors Catégorie climbs for today. With the favourites still fairly bunched up together in the overall standings and some desperately needing time ahead of Saturday’s individual time trial in Grenoble, attacks are sure to come out of the main group.
Alberto Contador’s (Saxo Bank-Sungard) manager Bradley McGee said, "There's no way around it. [Today], there will be another thrilling stage and I think we all have a lot to be looking forward to."
Cadel Evans (BMC) gained time on yellow jersey Thomas Voeckler (Europcar) yesterday and now trails him in second place by 1’18”. While Contador is still behind the Schlecks in the standings, it’s likely he will make up the time on them in the time trial. Evans in well known to be crafty in the race against the clock, the defending champion will need to gain time on the Australian today or tomorrow if he is to wear yellow into Paris for the fourth time in his career.
Garmin-Cervélo team manager Jonathan Vaughters made this bold prediction on Twitter.
“Based on what I've seen, and my gut, I'll guess Contador brings back 50 secs on Schlecks and 30-40 secs on Cadel today.”