Stage 16 - Tuesday - into the Alps

No racing yesterday as the riders enjoyed the final rest day of the tour. But today is a different story. We've finally made it to the Alps! Two massive climbs today, an HC followed by a category 1, and two fast and technical descents. No one descends like Lance, so if he's not called to help protect Contador and the lead, I'm looking for Lance to be aggressive today.

Tomorrow's stage should be just as exciting with four category 1 climbs and a cat 2 mixed in. The climbs won't be as high as Stage 16's but will definitely allow for plenty of attacks.

Following Thursday's Stage 17, will be the individual Time Trial over a relatively flat 40km course. Another discipline that favors Lance's powerful engine.

Friday's Stage 19 may turn out to be a race for the Sprinters, but Saturday is the MacDaddy climb of the Tour, Mont Ventoux. The riders legs will be dead after 100 miles of racing before the Mont Ventoux climb even starts. The finish will be a long 15 mile uphill battle to the top of Mont Ventoux (6273 feet). No rider has ever won this stage twice and Lance gifted the win to Pantani in 2000. Will it be Lance's turn this year? Will this be the climb that ices the Tour for Lance or will Contador still be on top?

The excitement will lead us right into the Champs-Elysees for the final stage of the Tour de France on Sunday. Let the drama begin!