Stage 16: Pau - Bagneres-de-Luchon (197km). Col d'Aubisque (HC) 1709m; Col de Tourmalet (HC) 2115m; Col d'Aspin (Cat.1) 1489m and Col de Peyresourde (Cat.1) 1569m!!!! Could be difficult for Wiggins and, if so, what will Froome do? Also - there is a fast down hill finish, which will suit such as Nibali and any other good descenders.
I'm gonna go for exciting, if the other GC contenders don't make a move today then Wiggins has it in the bag barring a crash or some sort of mechanical meltdown. If Evans, Nibali, Van Den Broeck etc are serious about winning the Tour then today is the day!
No surprises with Cav going off the back of the peloton. Looks like we're going to be disappointed Stan! Nobodys wants it and even if they did Sky would turn it up a gear and stifle any attacks. They havent even needed Porte or Rogers yet!
Nibali has jumped - putting pressure on Froome, who chases him, with Wiggins staying on his wheel. ...catches him....with Wiggins 3rd
Evans losing time...now 3+mins down on Wiggins group. Nibali jumps, but Wiggins catches him. Evans now 3'50" down on Yellow Jersey group! He's now pretty much lost the Tour.
Thomas Voeckler wins the stage and KOM jersey. Overall - it's still Wiggins - Froome - Nibali. = No change
Yeah - but I find it boring, don't you? For instance - tomorrow is the last mountain stage, so an opportunity for someone to challenge for Yellow.....but who? There is no-one. If Alberto Contador had been eligible, Wiggins would have been second (if that).
It's a shame Andy Schleck isn't fit. He would have attacked in the mountains, but I would still back Wiggins to have won it. To be fair Nibali has tried, but Wiggins it too good. He's proved to be the best rider this season and deserves it.
A mate of mine who writes for a cycling mag says that Sky/Wiggins are like Arsenal: Go 1-0 up and then sit on the game/keep possession. He also thinks they 'bought' Cavendish to prevent him riding for anyone else....cos he sure ain't shone in Sky, has he?
