under pressure

Zsa Zsa has put the pressure on for some third week TdF predictions...

Stage 15
L'Alpe d' Huez: The mountain takes its own prisoners, and only the strong are left standing. I think the GC guys will let the terrain sort itself out by sticking together. The weaker guys will drop off Darwinian style, and the big guns will ride tempo to the top. No major attacks today. T-Moblie has possibly learned that they can ride hard, but it's the end that counts. The rider in the yellow jersey has a way of finding extra strength and toughess or was that the "juice"? I could see Periero hanging on, but I sort of doubt it...this year. Ok new GC, Landis in yellow with green frog legs, Menchov, Sastre, Evans, and Kloden. If a break is far enough out, it will stick. Look for a Spaniard. The ones left in the Tour have something to prove.

Stage 16
Galibier, Col du Telegraphe, Croix de Fer, Mollard, and La Toussuire. I love hearing those names, at least the first three, the last two are new to me. This will be an epic day. Today will be Open Water and the sharks will smell the blood in the water. The rider/s that were strong yesterday will show no mercy today. Hopes will be crushed and spirits will be broken. If someone is going to stamp their authority on this 2006 TdF, today will be the day. Look for the cards to be played, the racing to be hard, and a flurry of attacks on the last climb. Whatever time gains were made yesterday will be cemented today. Landis stays in yellow.

Stage 17
Col de Joux-Plane and Morzine. This climb has been cruel to some. Look for a break to go and stick. Landis stays in yellow.

Stage 19
57K ITT-Landis wins a stage.