Darkglasses

Now we go to the real big mountains. I'll let Daniel Lloyd take us through this one.


Stage profile



The important bit


Hopefully, this will be a proper face off between Contador and Froome, rather than both of them just looking to not lose time from each other.

Alberto Accountant for me.

Darkglasses

Also, Janez Brajkovic is now out of the Tour. Some very painful looking facial injuries and a broken bone in his hand, but he seems to be in good spirits nevertheless. Extremely nice fellow.

reef58

Can't wait. I suspect the GC guys don't want yellow this early. I am going with Rolland.

ultraman6970

Reef you are right but as how the stage is designed at least one possibility is certain, Froome taking yellow tomorrow. If all the GC contenders get together to the finish line then Froome will take yellow, IMO thats the best scenario for the other teams together with no losing time tomorrow neither sunday.

Tomorrow is the 1st big test. 1st year that I dont know what will happen... damm it... the spanish armada against the Brits. Don't see cadel doing a lot unless he can pull up sometihng special to get seconds back but thats not like his style and because there are 2 more weeks to finish.

gpsblake

I hope Tommy Voeckler tries to steal the yellow again. When he had it in 2011, it took everything from them to shake it off of him. I think though Froome will have it at the end of day based on the current results. I don't think the "heads of state" as Phil calls them will contest each other.

gpsblake

Edit: Just saw Voeckler is 16 minutes out of yellow now (how in the **** did that happen??). Just hope he grabs a stage or two.

Darkglasses

He came in with the grupetto yesterday. Was a bit surprised at that myself, must have no interest in the GC.

reef58

I think they will test. There will be time gaps today. If Andy has any form the race will be blown apart. If Contador has form many pretenders will be eliminated. I think the GC race will be reduced to 2 or 3 riders today, possibly one.

Giacomo 1 

Will Talansky will be the man for Garmin. He's done well and had a nice, quiet Tour so far.

Will Schleck ride hard or mail it in since he found out his brother is gone?

Will it be Cadell or TJ for BMC?

Was Contador sandbagging in the Dauphine?

Can Bakelands climb with these guys?

Will it be a clinical, take-no-prisoners Sky stage?

bbattle

I agree with this though they may not let Rolland into a breakaway. I do expect to see Ag2r, Euskaltel, Europcar, FDJ and possibly movistar in the break.

Rojas is my WAG for the win.

kenji666

It's almost time. Today is Froome's day.

Leinster

Maybe decided to take it easy yesterday and lost time so he'd be fresh, and given some leeway in a break today.

Darkglasses

Right, we have started climbing for real.

Ryder Hesjedal sitting at the back. Sky, Belkin and TST up front.

bengreen79

In case any of you are having trouble finding it like I was, it's actually on NBC this morning instead of NBCSN.

Giacomo 1 

Wow, Impey is still up front!

Riblon is looking strong.

Voechler on the attack!

Giacomo 1 

Quintana the Columbian blew away everyone on that first climb. He was over a minute ahead at the end of it, but is steadily losing time on this crazy descent.

TJ is gone, but trying to make the catch. Cadell is still there.

Froome and Sky is on the chase down the mountain.

Talansky is still there to.

Darkglasses

Evans and Schleck dropped from the lead group, as have Roche and Martin.

Quintana absolutely flying, 22 seconds ahead of the group.

Not many left in the Sky group, Contador is!

Darkglasses

As is Rodriguez!

Edit: Not any more!

Giacomo 1 

Valverde to!

Darkglasses

Froome and Porte dominating. Team Sky TDF 1,2 for the second year in a row, already nailed on.

Homebrew01

Wow, Froome isn't messing around !

thechemist

+1 love it

Giacomo 1 

That was a statement by Sky and Froome today!

Microtom

This is ridiculous, I've never seen someone looking as doped as Froom and Porte. I feel digusted.

FriendlyFred

anyone who thinks SKY is racing clean are deluding themselves rather badly.

edited to add.....I now hope SKY wins 1st and 2nd in the Tour by 15+ minutes. Then lets see anyone try to say they aren't doping. The only reason to continue watching the next two weeks is to see just HOW ridiculous this is going to be in the end.