Cycling - Tour de France:The hour of truth.

Gentlemen, these are the Pyrenees! After a first half of tense and exhausting tour, the Tour will take a whole new dimension in the next three days, Luz-Ardiden to Plateau de Beille. In four questions, here are the main challenges of the first mountain.


. VOECKLER A THERE A CHANCE?
If you listen Thomas VoecklerThe French will no longer be overall leader Thursday night. Wednesday in Lavaur, the Yellow Jersey said prepared to give up his precious tunic Luz-Ardiden. Resigned, Ti-Blanc? Or just realistic? Voeckler probably understood one thing: his fate does not depend (only) to him. The door it will hang. It will also benefit from the work of his teammates who have saved for two days. But let's be clear: if the favorites decide to take responsibility from the Tourmalet or even the first kilometers of the final climb to Luz-Ardiden, the chances of the French are consumed faster than expected. For the record, the Route du Sud 2004, Voeckler, Then under the shirt of the Brioche La Boulangerie, was imposed at the top of the Hourquette Ancizan (9.9 km at 7.5%), mounted on the unique Tour de France and dangerous insertion of the 12th stage. 

. COUNTER WILL BE DYNAMITE RACE?

If someone has to blow the race in the next three days, it will probably Alberto Contador. The Spaniard has a taste for the offensive. Moreover, the situation requires it to take risks. Have two questions: does he attack in the Pyrenees? Can attack in the Pyrenees? For the three-time winner of the Tour began a large-scale action on Thursday or Saturday, he must first please. But he suggested in recent days that the Tour will play in the Alps and it was not necessary for him to take time on Thursday. He bluffing? Possible. But it will probably be too careful Friday, unless it feels very strong. And this is the second question mark. What is Counter physically? On Monday, he said he did not have his usual pedal stroke. Wednesday night, he said not to feel any discomfort in his knee. Difficult to get an accurate picture. "I will take a decision in the last climb"Has it just dropped to Lavaur. 

. Which strategy for SCHLECK?

Andy et Frank Schleck find themselves in a rather comfortable position before turning to the Pyrenees. Among the favorites, only Cadel Evans is before them, and again for a few seconds. They lived a perfect first half of the Tour, avoiding cracks and falls. Their team looks very strong. This favorable situation will it encourage them not to take any risks? It is quite possible. But there is a problem given that we do not know: last year, dropping early Frank had changed the plans of siblings Luxembourg. Andy had been repeatedly warned that if his brother had been there, everything would have been different. So why not imagine an offensive Frank SchleckFrom the foot of Luz-Ardiden, for example (in the TourmaletThis seems unlikely)? It would be interesting to see the reaction of a Counter, For example. It would be unfortunate if Schleck simply waiting for a race and control. Damage, and risky. 

. What might be the surprise?

If Tyler Farrar was imposed on July 4, the Day U.S. national, it is hoped that runners will lights as much enthusiasm for the mountain first game on Thursday. John Gadret out of service, the first name that comes to mind? David Moncoutié course. The Lotois, who wants to mark the occasion for his last Tour de France, Has already won a July 14. After almost two. In 2005, "Moncoucou" was imposed on Digne-les-Bains. A year earlier, he raised his arms in Figeac, July 15, following the success of Richard Virenque Saint-Flour. Remy Di Gregorio could also play his personal card. Hopefully he has not left too many forces in the breakaway Tuesday. And among strangers? In trouble early in the Tour, Samuel Sanchez of the colors found. The delay in general could enable it to receive a release, if the Asturian attack late in the day. Finally, this 12th stage will allow us to learn more about some outsiders. Tony Martin Peter Veliter, 6th and 7th respectively, hope to accompany the favorites in the Pyrenees and the Alps. Thursday night, we should have an initial response.