Theoretically, Landis would never have been allowed to escape for the same reason yesterday (he was still considered a threat) - so who knows? If I were the Director sportif of CSC (Riis!) or Caisse D'Epargne, I would definitely try to sneak a few extra seconds at the end of the stage. They know Landis is the better TTr so it's the best chance they have to beat him.
True, but he was able to do it at the start of a climb, and take advantage of another post-Lance aspect - there's no
patron to control & instruct the peloton. I doubt that any of the GC contenders can sprint any better than Landis, in any case.
Theoretically, Landis would never have been allowed to escape for the same reason yesterday (he was still considered a threat) - so who knows?