We've seen long range exploits succeed in the past and if there is a day for a rider to challenge the dominance of Sky and its cool, calm, collected and (apparently) comfortable leader, it's in stage 11. That said, the first real test – the 2,000m ascent of the Col de Madeleine – is likely to serve to serve as the climb on which The Escape is established. It is followed by another ‘hors categorie' pass that is bound to lure those chasing the polka-dot jersey into action. There are a total of 100 points on offer for the climbing classification that is currently led by Thomas Voeckler who has a total tally of only 28.
In reality there will be four distinct races taking place between Albertville and La Toussuire: one for the stage win, one for the polka-dot jersey, one for the yellow jersey and one for survival...
With four big mountains, and a summit finish this is a day for the daring. It has a profile that will frighten some but tempt others into action and at only 148km, it will be raced hard right from the start.
There are only three finishes atop a big climb in the 99th edition of the Tour and this is one of them. It could be an inspired climber who wins the day but with Wiggins in such control of GC we could see the overall favourites like Cadel Evans, Vincenzo Nibali or one of several masters of the mountains from RadioShack-Nissan try to crack the race leader...