Anyway. First proper mountain in the Tour today.

And it’s the most climbed of them all - the monstrous Tourmalet. 20km long, rises to over 2,100m above sea level.

Will be fascinating to see whether Alaphilippe the Musketeer - in the lead at the moment - can actually climb a giant like that with the best of them. Or whether the French have yet again started to get over-excited about someone who’s not really up to it.

If he does get found out, then will our own Geraint Thomas assert himself as yet another British winner. Or will the others gang up on him and find him out?

The big climb should start at about 3. Live on ITV4 (if you want Ned Boulting and the excellent David Millar), or Eurosport (if you have it, and want Bradley Wiggins).

Posted By: Tricky Hawes, Jul 20, 12:47:50