Robbie McEwen has now won 113 races, but today's was the best I've ever seen him win, and he was hyped when he finished. Beating Thor Hudhovd and Stuart O'Grady was particularly pleasing, but to snatch the race right on the line from the unlucky breakaways, Landaluze and Simeoni, was especially gratifying.

Now, the roads begin to go up and McEwen knows that he is in for a hard time. Surviving will be more prominent in his mind then winning. He admits, it could be Paris , where he has won twice before, before he gets another win, if at all.

On the eve of the longest stage, Lance Armstrong sits in sixth place, ready for the assault from the best position of the favorites. Watch out for Thomas Voeckler, the leader, as he will not give up his lead easily, but I am afraid, he will give it up.

Armstrong finished today looking good, but his words will be ringing in the ears of some -- "If these guys keep this pace up a lot of them will be 'a la maison' before the end of the week."