Aha, I feel slightly cheered up; just looked over today's route for Le Tour. They have to slog over three great big Alpine passes given a 'Hors Categorie' grading. Now what this means is they are beyond category; they are so high, steep and long they are unclassifiable ! I have ridden some hills here that might just creep into category 3, maybe cat 2, 2/3 miles of average 9% gradient. Well, that don't really compare to 21 miles at 5% rising to 8500 feet above sea level (The Galibier). How about about 12 miles at 7% rising to 6500 feet (La Madelaine) and finally after 100 miles of racing and the 2 aforementioned monsters, 12 miles of 8% rising up to the Ski town of La Plagne rising to 6000 feet ?
So that will be a fun day for the riders. And a fun day for us fans as well, how will Armstrong perform, will his team be able to ride hard for him ? Will they be able to chase down dangerous escapees ? Three big mountains in one hard day is going to test them to the limit. I really think the race will be won and lost today. If Armstrong can attack and keep others from attacking him, his Tour should be won. After Boteros ride yesterday, I wonder if Botero will try and climb higher up the general classification and go for something higher, and if the Once team will try a move ?