Lance is indeed leading by 40 seconds. However, still some work to do. He has to consolidate his position today over some pretty vicious climbs. The opposition will be puting him under a lot of pressure today.
Thereafter the key stages are stage 12 (Fri 18th) a time trial stage, Lance is an outstanding time trialist and should do well. Stage 15 (July 21) a mountain stage in the Pyrennees. Stage 19 final time trial. If Lance is still leading after stage 15, he should win the event. There are 20 stages in all. The finish is on Sunday 27th July in Paris on the Champs-Elysees.
The man to watch is yesterday's stage winner, Iban Mayo he beat Lance by 2mins 12secs, if he does that again today.....
For my money yesterday's hero was Tyler Hamilton. He stayed with Lance on the climbs and finished in 7th place, is now 6th overall 1:52 behind Lance, all this with 2 fractures in a collar bone. Well done, mate.
The time here is 11am.
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