The focus of this stage will be the legendary Col d'Aubisque, which represents the final hors categorie climb of the Tour - the mountains aren't finished yet, but Aubisque represents the end of some 'extreme' climbing for riders. Armstrong took the yellow jersey on the back of this climb in 2002 - this occurred earlier in the race, and he went on to dominate the remainder of the Tour after hitting his competition hard in these opening mountain exchanges. In 2005 the situation may well be different, or we could find Armstrong placing a stranglehold on the overall lead leading to a seventh victory - who knows? Either way it's going to be a fight amongst the main GC contenders with a couple of strongmen thrown in; the German has been quiet since his early season success and is primed for a strong Tour performance.
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Philadelphia Cycling Classic confirms seven WorldTour teams in men's and women's fields for Manayunk Wall challenge - North American Roundup
Tour de Bloom begins six days of racing in Pacific Northwest on May 14 while Team Medellín-EPM brings Brayan Sanchez and Óscar Sevilla for Gran Premio NYC on May 17 -
'There is already something going on in the bunch' - Threat of illness after cold, wet Giro d'Italia stage 5 more concerning than 6:22 deficit for Visma-Lease a Bike
Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe expect Visma to keep pink jersey in reach with Friday's stage to Blockhaus on the horizon -
'We knew there would be fireworks' - Long, solo pursuit through rain proves too much for Giulio Ciccone to defend Giro d'Italia lead
Italian isolated in front group, loses over seven minutes to new maglia rosa Afonso Eulálio -
'I don't know how I feel, it's too crazy' - Afonso Eulálio takes Giro d'Italia pink jersey after topsy-turvy stage 5 breakaway
Portuguese racer crashes late on, loses sprint, but takes the overall lead
