12:30 - Three Pyrenean Giants A Feature Today
The final day of racing in the mountains has three climbs on the itinerary. The first is the category-one col de Marie-Blanque, a 9.3km long ascent with an average gradient of 7.6 per cent. Then comes the category-one col du Soulor - 11.9km long at 7.8 percent... and the final giant, the col du Tourmalet - 18.6km long with an average gradient of 7.5 per cent. It’s been pouring rain this morning and the temperature at the finish is about 14 degrees Celsius now.
12:25 - Prize Category Review: Part 03 – Polka-Dot Jersey
Christophe Moreau (GCE) earned 60 points for the mountains classification when he joined the escape group on Tuesday and led over both the col du Tourmalet and the col d’Aubsique. He is now ranked second with a total tally of 128 points but Anthony Charteau is still wearing the polka-dot jersey with 143pts. Another member of the escape group on the day the race took in four passes – Peyresourde, Aspin, Tourmalet and Aubisque – is ranked third. Cunego has 99 points while Casar is 4th with 93pts.
12:21 - Prize Category Review: Part 02 – Green Jersey
The 17th stage is definitely not one for the sprinters. Thor Hushovd took back the green jersey with his 10th place in stage 16 and now leads Alessandro Petacchi by four points – 191 to 187. Mark Cavendish is third with 162 points. There are two intermediate sprints during this last day of racing in the mountains. Points were be awarded in Bidos (at 30km) and Adast (at 141.5km).
12:21 - Armstrong At Rear Of Peloton
Number 21 is near the back of the bunch as it rides through the neutral zone. Lance Armstrong was sixth in stage 16 after spending the day in an escape group on the eve of the second rest day.
12:20 - Prize Category Review: Part 01 – Yellow Jersey
The winner of the Tour in 2007 and 2009 is in the lead of the general classification by eight seconds. Alberto Contador wears the yellow jersey for the third day in the 2010 Tour de France. The former racer leader, Andy Schleck is confident that he can take back the yellow jersey, saying on Tuedays, “There’s only one chance left and that’s the Tourmalet. I think I can do it. I hope I can do it.” Samuel Sanchez is ranked third, two minutes behind, while Denis Menchov is fourth at 2’13”.