Stage 17 Preview
By Phil Liggett

After an Alpine journey through three countries, the 17th stage of the Tour is completely in France...and in the Alps....all day. It is the most difficult day of the race this year and it is guaranteed to see changes to the overall classification.

Five major passes will be stormed by the 161 survivors , starting with the daunting ascent of the Cormet de Roselend. It was on this climb in 2007 when Australians Michael Rogers and Stuart O'Grady crashed as they raced the course from the Grand Bornand to Tignes.

On this occasion,( both riders are still in the event this year) they will race the opposite way from Bourg Saint Maurice to the Grand Bornand on a course that will end with the tough climb of the Col de la Colombiere before dropping in the finish.

The first time climb of the Col de Romme, like the Colombiere is very steep, and comes just before the latter. It is likely that the moves will happen within the first 10 miles on the Roselend, leaving the contenders to fight an epic battle over a most beautiful route through the Alps.

The Romme, ridden by Lance Armstrong in training, is, says Lance, a very hard climb indeed.

Let battle begin.