This is where the team will have to do their job and get him in position to win
If he really needs at least another half minute on Evans, he’s going to have to push hard enough to escape on him or drop him — having his brother right there will help, but even if he manages to do so, will he have the energy to keep the lead in the TT tomorrow?
And that's why it's called the "race of truth". Should be a fantastic finish. Not sure the last time so much has been up in the air going into the last two days.
Maybe he's conserving, but Phil says he couldn't hold the break.
...Contador smelling blood?
...Voelkler smelling podium?
Stage 19 - Modane Valfréjus > > > Alpe-d’Huez - 109.5 km
Friday, July 22, 2011
Km 26.5 - Col du Télégraphe (1 566 m) - 11.9 km climb to 7.1 % - Category 1
Km 48.5 - Col du Galibier (2 556m) - 16.7 km climb to 6.8 % - Category HC
Km 109.5 - Alpe d'Huez (1 850 m) - 13.8 km climb to 7.9 % - Category HC
So I have a question for you guys: I know that having a teammate in the breakaway group that is there to work with you if you can get away from the peloton in high mountain stages like yesterday is important. Just what does the domestique provide to the GC contender? Drafting is not an issue on high mountain stages (yes, I know, it was very important in the valley yesterday b/c of the headwind) b/c they are moving so slowly. Is it for pacing? Psychological?