Friday, 23rd July, 2010
Andy Schleck could have done with brotherly love
WATCHING Andy Schleck go head-to-head against Alberto Contador through the rain and fog on the higher slopes of the Tourmalet reminded me of watching Muhammed Ali's "Rumble in the Jungle" world title fight against George Foreman.

Two great heavyweights slugging it out toe-to-toe.

Also looking on from one of the VIP areas with more than a passing interest as the story of this race unfolded was the “Big Mig” himself - Miguel Indurian, who had made the short trip from his home in Pamplona.

It would have been interesting to have tapped into Indurain’s brain to see what he thought as this most intriguing stage unfolded at the top of the mountain.

In the end I think Schleck did all he could really to shake off his arch-rival, although I do think that Saxo Bank or even Andy himself might have had a greater dig on the third climb of the day to the top of the Col du Soulor to try and break free of the Astana champion's shackles.

As it was it appeared that Andy was maybe a little isolated on the final climb and he was left one on one with Contador to try and drop him.

That was always going to be difficult to do as there’s not a struck match between them at the moment.

Given that this was the Tourmalet, I don't know whether from a tactical viewpoint Schleck could have done any more.

Three hard weeks of racing does tend to knacker you, and the mind starts to play tricks.

He sure could have done with the help of his brother Frank, who unfortunately dropped out of this year's race early in the piece with a broken collarbone, when the pair went together over those last lung-busting 10 kilometres.

It was fascinating to watch Schleck go to the front when he needed to and he made it hard, then watch him drop back to stare down Contador to see if he was cracking.

But Contador didn’t, so there really wasn't much else he could do.

The pair have been very evenly matched throughout this 3,600km saga.

Right now, it looks as though Contador will win the Tour.

But I still wouldn't write off Schleck just yet.

The gap is just eight eight seconds - but the odds are firmly stacked against him.

Schleck's been very consistent over the last three weeks and with the help of former American professional Bobby Julich, he is a much improved time trialler.

But the big question that will be answered tomorrow is if Schleck, who is chasing his third white jersey as the best young rider, will he be able to stay focussed for the entire 52km journey from Bordeau to Pauillac.

That said, I think if Andy still had the 30 second lead that he had over Contador at the start of the week, I believe he'd have a real chance.

As it stands it is Contador who is holding all the cards.

Overall, I think Contador is at about the same level where he was at a year ago, it's just that everyone else has closed the gap.

Schleck, in particular, has also been more consistent this year and that has made a big difference.

As well as that Samuel Sanchez and Denis Menchov have been very impressive which adds to the intrigue to tomorrow’s time trial.

Looking at the race within the race, I can't see Cervelo's Thor Hushovd losing the green jersey. It will take something pretty special from the likes of a Alessandro Petacchi or Mark Cavendish to take the sprinter’s jersey.

Anthony Charteau of Bbox Bouygues Telecom, has the polka dot King of the Mountain title all nicely parcelled-up, adding icing to the cake for the French who have enjoyed their best ever Tour in close to two decades.

And barring any unforseen late mishap, Lance Armstrong too will get the chance to stand on the top rung of the podium in Paris on Sunday alongside Johan Brunyeel with the RadioShack squad looking good for the team's prize.

No better or fitting way for Armstrong, a seven time maillot jaune winner, to take one final bow at a race he so totally dominated between 1999 and 2005.

* Scott Sunderland raced the Tour de France twice, and has been in senior management with CSC, Cervelo Test Team and Team Sky.