Stage 16 could be the key to the 2006 Tour. The crucial linchpin stage begins by immediately ascending the immense Galibier, then descends over 60km to attack the Beyond Category Col de la Croix-de-Fer, then the transition climb of Col du Mollard, and then down to St.Jean-de-Maurienne to the final ascent of the new climb up to the ski station of La Toussuire. It's not a steep grade at 6% but it is 18.4km long, which could lead to big gaps at the finish. It will be time for riders like Valverde to make up some time before the final TT.
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Vuelta a España GC standings – Enric Mas brings red jersey into decisive stage 18 individual time trial
No changes to the top-10, as Brennan claims another stage win in Sevilla -
As it happened: flat stage 17 of the Vuelta a España ends in another bunch sprint
Dos Hermanas to Sevilla, 185 km -
Giro della Toscana: Giulio Pellizzari takes the win with a final kilometre solo attack
Jegat, Scaroni round out podium in Pontedera -
Vuelta a España: Matthew Brennan storms to an extraordinary fifth victory on stage 17 after a furious sprint into Sevilla
Jordi Meeus takes second place and Magnus Cort finishes third, as Enric Mas maintains the overall lead
