So, after 1,200 miles, the Tour has come to the gaping jaws of the high mountains. And although the time gaps are there between the big campaigners, only Iban Mayo goes into his favorite terrain at a distinct disadvantage.

His is 51st and 15-02 behind French hero Thomas Voeckler, but more importantly, he is 5-27 down on King Lance. He has not added to his lost time these past two days like Roberto Heras did today (he gave Lance 17 seconds in the uphill finish), which indicates to me that he is still planning a podium finish in Paris a week on Sunday.

Heras has never inspired me as a winner of the Tour de France, but this should be his big chance to prove everyone with such thoughts, wrong. He goes to his favorite terrain 2-09 behind Armstrong and you can bet he will not be pacing him up La Mongie tomorrow (when he was on the same team), as he did two years' ago.

Voeckler is a man of divine strength. After seven days in the yellow jersey, he should have just enough left to survive one more day in the maillot jaune.