Saxo Bank fires a warning.

Nicki Sorensen of Saxo Bank goes clear of his breakaway companions to win stage 12

ON paper it looked like another stage for Mark Cavendish, however Nicki Sorensen from Saxo Bank took the stage from his breakaway companions, going solo well before the finish. Sorenson highlights the strength of Saxo Bank, a team that now contains 6 individuals that have won stages of the tour - and that does not include one Andy Schleck, best placed in the overall classification from Saxo Bank. Astana are the strongest team, no doubts there (5 former stage winners & 2 overall winners) however Saxo Bank are the team that possibly has what it takes to challenge them. They have come to the tour focused on winning overall, with a team to do it. They have not played a card, Cancellara aside, yet, but one can feel that Sorensen testing his legs yesterday was Saxo Bank reminding the Peleton that they crushed everyone last year on the ride up L'Alp d'Huez and this year they can do it again. Saxo Bank are playing the waiting game, its all about the Alps and with Voight, O'Grady, Cancellara, Larson and Sorenson they are well equipt to support the Schlecks & they cover the unfortunate loss of Arveson on stage 10.

The other duel going on in Stage 12 was for the King of the Mountain jersey. Egoi Martinez still holds the polka dots, however my $22 tip, Franco Pellizotti is in second position and they duelled yesterday on each of the climbs. It was fascinating to watch, however of the 6 categorised climbs featured, Pellizotti was first over the summit four times and 3rd on the two others, the best Martinez could do was finish second - all four times to Pellizotti. Martinez has limited time in Polka Dots.

Cavendish won the bunch sprint for eighth position ahead of Hushovd to move 10 points clear of the big Norwegian.

and now for some hills........