When the riders get to Grenoble, they know the road ahead is going to be tough - you've arrived in the Alps. It's a shock to the system after a transfer from Mulhouse straight into the thick of it; stage 10 finishes in Courchevel atop a 22.2km climb at 6.2%. Before then, however, there's the 20.1km, 6% Cormet-de-Roselend which peaks at the 118km mark. Chances are there'll be more sprinters dropping out along the way, but for those that tough it out there are two intermediate sprint points to take something out of what will be a hard day. The flat run to the first climb is perfectly suited to an attack from Armstrong, as he winds up the pace at the base of Cormet-de-Roselend and hits the GC hard. We'll see who can stay with him this year - with T-Mobile's Alexandre Vinokourov in great form, and Ivan Basso believing 2005 may be his year, Armstrong won't have it his own way - prepare for the battle as the lines are drawn!
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Mismatched kit and visa issues lead to heavy fines and depleted line-ups for Eritrea at World Championships
Ghebreigzabhier and Tesfatsion didn't line up, while Girmay, Mulubrhan, and a member of staff were penalised over clothing infringments -
'It won't happen' - UAE Team Emirates-XRG management insist that Tadej Pogačar is not racing the European Championships this autumn
Rumours that Slovenian could make dramatic early comeback from Vuelta a España injuries lose momentum -
Winter is coming! Our top-rated winter road cycling essentials will keep you comfortable and warm on those chillier days on the bike
I've hunted around our best winter riding buying advice, and below you'll find the best overall and best budget options for top to toe winter riding -
Cycling transfers – Tudor strengthen with Kaden Groves and Nico Denz signings in latest market moves
The ultimate guide to the pro cycling transfer window, tracking every move across the men's and women's WorldTours
