Fireworks expected in Thursday’s stage
Saxo Bank's Schleck promises an attack on famed Tourmalet climb
If Saxo Bank Rider Andy Schleck was being serious during Wednesday’s second rest day at the Tour de France, there could be some serious fireworks on today’s 17th stage from Pau to the Col du Tourmalet. At a rest-day press conference yesterday, the Luxembourg rider promised he would attack race leader Alberto Contador on the slopes of Tourmalet, the most famous climb in the Pyrenees.
The 18.6 km climb averages 7.5 per cent and will likely be the determining factor in who wins this year’s Tour. After dropping his chain in stage 16 earlier this week, Schleck now trails Astana’s Contador by eight seconds. With only Saturday’s 52 km time trial from Bordeaux to Pauillac remaining as a standing-changing stage, Schleck will need a big day today to retake the yellow jersey from Spain’s Contador, who is expected to beat his rival by more than a minute in the time trial.
Ryder Hesjedal, meanwhile, remains 10th overall in the Tour and wants to stay there. He spent part of the rest day announcing a massive three-year contract extension with Team Garmin-Transitions. The Canadian is having the best race of his life during this Tour, sitting as high as third on the GC at one point.