Stage 8 Preview

Stage 8
Start: Station des Rousses
End: Morzine-Avoriaz
Length: 189 km
Difficulty Profile (1-10): 8.5

It should be an interesting day throughout, but the real action will be happening in the last 50 km. The last 50 km features 2 absolutely brutal climbs (both category 1) that will certainly wreak havoc on the peloton. Expect there to be an early breakaway (probably Bbox, Quick Step, FDJ, AG2R, Lampre, Caisse d'Epargne, etc) of riders, but they probably won't survive once they hit the high mountains. I would certainly expect this to be a day for Contador, Schleck, Armstrong, Wiggins, Basso, Sastre, Gesink, and other climbers to make their moves. It is clear that they were saving their energy for this stage, and they can give it their all because of the rest day on Monday. The GC is already starting to shape up, but after tomorrow we will all have a good idea as to who are legitimate contenders to win this year's race. It will also be a daunting task for the sprinters, who are hoping to survive through the Alps in order to reach the flat stages afterwards. If I had to make a guess, I would expect Chavanel to lose the Maillot Jaune and the person that gains it to possibly keep it for quite a long time. The eventual winner of the Tour may just make his winning move on tomorrow's stage. Yes, it is way too early to call it after 1 week but many Tours have been won and lost in the Alps and there is probably not a better opportunity for the climbers to make their move for the rest of the Tour. The entire stage will be entertaining, but the last 50 km may just be considered a "must watch."