Morzine-Avoriaz to Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne, 204 km
Following a rest day in Morzine, the peloton confronts the toughest Alpine stage. There are four big climbs culminating in the fearsome Col de La Madeleine. The top sections of the Col de la Colombière will be familiar from last year when the riders came onto this side of the climb from the Col de Romme and Alberto Contador’s attack dropped team-mate Andreas Klöden but not the Schlecks.The Aravis is straightforward, the Saisies less so, and although the climb of the Madeline is long (25kms) it only averages 6.2%. However, the Madeleine’s 20km ascent is brutal.
The realistic contenders for the overall will emerge, a select bunch will probably be left at the base of the Madeleine. The descent proabably brings them back together again. Some that have lost time like Armstrong might try and take it back, i dont see Contador or Schleck looking for time here, they will be happy to leave Cadel in yellow. Contador has stated all along that he will be winning in the Pyrenees. Look for the real contenders for the King of the Mountains to come out early here, lots of points on offer. The better descenders like Luis Leon Sanchez will be advantaged and any in the fight for yellow that can't go downhill might lose a bit of time. It is more than likely that a breakaway will succeed, but if not, look for one of the better descenders like Luis Leon Sanchez to be desperately trying for a stage win.
Climbs
- Km 18.5 - Côte de Châtillon - 2.1 km climb to 3.9 % - Category 4
- Km 46.0 - Col de la Colombière - 16.5 km climb to 6.7 % - Category 1
- Km 71.0 - Col des Aravis - 7.6 km climb to 5.9 % - Category 2
- Km 97.0 - Col des Saisies - 14.4 km climb to 5.1 % - Category 1
- Km 172.5 - Col de la Madeleine - 25.5 km climb to 6.2 % - Category H
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