Stage 16 Preview

Stage 16
Start: Bagneres-de-Luchon
End: Pau
Length: 199.5 km
Difficulty Profile (1-10): 8.5

Unlike other mountain stages with most difficult climbs at the end, this stage gives its toughest punch early and then at the middle of the stage. The ending is a nice gradual descent (although it still is tricky) and could set up for all sorts of scenarios. Obviously the central focus is the newly formed rivalry between Andy and Alberto, but there are plenty of things to watch for tomorrow. I think tomorrow may be Lance Armstrong's best chance to grab that stage win he has been talking about, because the format seems to set up well for him. I would also keep a close eye on the "autobus" group, because the early difficult climbs may put some of the Tour's premiere sprinters in a major spot of bother and could see some of them make an early exit. While the major stage is after the rest day, this one could be equally important especially considering the circumstances. Don't forget to get up early, as versus starts their coverage at 6:30 AM ET. (very sorry to any of you on the west coast, but the bright side is that you may get to catch the entire stage before work)