BEIJING, July 17 -- Seven times Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong warned that today's 13th stage in the Vosges mountains would be much more than just a foretaste of the Alps.

Astana rider Lance Armstrong of the U.S. (C) cycles with team mates during the twelfth stage of the 96th Tour de France cycling race between Tonnerre and Vittel, July 16, 2009. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    "Tomorrow is hard, that is a real stage," he said.

    The Vosges, at the Franco-German border, provide usually less grueling climbs than the Alps but the stage from Vittel to Colmar, in the wine region of Alsace, includes five hills and a category one ascent, the Platzerwasel.

    "The climb up Col du Platzerwasel is difficult, it is a long way. It is a longer day and anything can happen. I know the area, but not that particular climb," Armstrong added.

    Luxembourg's Andy Schleck visited the spot twice before the Tour and singled out the stage as one to take into account.

    "The Vosges are usually easy but it's not the case this time. The Platzerwasel is a really hard climb," he said.

    Armstrong, who lies third overall, eight seconds behind Italy's Rinaldo Nocentini and two seconds behind his team mate Alberto Contador, is aware he should be on his guard.

Astana rider Alberto Contador of Spain smiles as he cycles during the 12th stage of the 96th Tour de France cycling race between Tonnerre and Vittel, July 16, 2009. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    "You have to watch all the rivals, even someone like (Russian Denis) Menchov.

    "Some might say he is five or six minutes behind and his race is finished but if he gains back time he has the Alps and then if he is close enough on the Ventoux, he could present a problem," added Armstrong.

    "I would put (title holder) Carlos (Sastre), the Schleck brothers (Andy and Fraenk) and (Australian Cadel) Evans in the most dangerous category and then the others are just behind," Armstrong said.

    With storms forecast on the stage, Nocentini is aware his yellow jersey may be in danger. "It'll be hard tomorrow with the bad weather." he said. "I held the jersey for six days and everything else is a bonus now."

    (Source: Shanghai Daily/Agencies)

[1] [2] [3] [4]