Stage 16 Preview
By Paul Sherwen

The day after the rest day is always a strange one especially when it is in the mountains as is stage 16. The race restarts from Martigny at the foot of the Verbiers ski resort and immediately climbs the Col du Grand St Bernard which peaks out at almost 2500 meters (8200 feet).

Racing through Italy for 80 kms (50miles) there is another tough climb to get back into France over the Col de Petit St Bernard and then a long descent into Bourg St Maurice.

The race route should lend itself to a breakaway to succeed on a profile like this. Especially after the rest day and with a new race leader in Alberto Contador. Team Astana (or previously as US Postal//Discovery) have always used the same tactic to control a race. Allow a breakaway of riders who are not dangerous to get clear and give them their freedom- I can see the same thing happening on Tuesday.

Look out for Franco Pelizotti, David Moncoutie and Sylvain Chavanel to jump into the move.