Col du Galibier

“Good is not good, when better is expected.” - Thomas Fuller

That pretty much sums up how the Pyrenees played out.

The big boys were expected to come out and play in the Pyrenees but apart from a couple of bluffs from the Schleck brothers, nothing eventuated. Contador did not attack and Evans is closing in on the winner’s podium. The expected fireworks did not go off. It was all a tad disappointing.

On the flip side of the coin, Thomas Voeckler foretold his demise in the Pyrenees but instead, he exceeded everyone’s expectations including his own. Voeckler still wears the Maillot Jaune.

And, who would have picked Current World Road Champion Thor Hushovd, who is categorised as a sprinter and time trialist, to win a mountain stage!?!

The tour has arrived at the Alps and the Roof of the Tour - Col du Galibier awaits. First introduced into Le Tour a century ago back in 1911, the 2011 Tour celebrates the centenary of Galibier's introduction by climbing this 2645m behemoth of a mountain not once, but twice.

“Have they not wings, our men who have been able to climb up to heights where even eagles don’t fly? … Oh Sappey, Oh Laffrey, Oh Col Bayard, Oh Tourmalet! I shall not shirk from my duty in proclaiming that beside the Galibier you are nothing…” - Henri Desgrange

If any of the Yellow Jersey contenders have an ace up their sleeve, now is the time to show their hand. Paris (Champs-Élysées) is fast approaching. Time is running out and it's time to lay it all on the line.

Come on Cadel!! This is your best chance. You will never make my list of favourite riders but my patriotism means I'm rooting for you.