Three

Depending on whether it is a clockwise or counter-clockwise year, the Alps will often either determine the contenders or the winner. A week ago the Pyrenees whittled away ths year's pretenders and now we're in the midst of the three Alpine stages. Yesterday was the first. Surprisingly, it actually tightened up the race, heading into today's second rest day we have six riders within 50 seconds of each other--the top three within ten seconds. Any of them could win, which makes this one of the most suspenseful tours in years.

Three of the remaining stages will determine who emerges victorious. Tomorrow's Stage 16 includes two "beyond category" climbs that probably won't see a champion ride away, but might expose anyone too weak to keep up.

Wednesday's Stage 17, ending with the Tour's most famous climb, L'Alpe d'Huez, will surely see a shake-up. It will be the last significant climb of the race and everyone will be doing everything possible to open up a gap in yellow. It should be an epic day.

They'll want that gap for Stage 20, the ultimate test of truth, this year's second Individual Time Trial. 1989 saw the closest finish in tour history when Greg LeMond headed into the final time trial 50 seconds down Laurent Fignon; he won the stage by 58 seconds and the tour by 8. This year we have six riders within 50 seconds of each other. Anything could happen.

There are three huge stages left to the 2008 Tour. Will you be watching?

General classification after stage 15

1 Frank Schleck (Lux) Team CSC - Saxo Bank..............................63.57.21
2 Bernhard Kohl (Aut) Gerolsteiner.............................................0.07
3 Cadel Evans (Aus) Silence - Lotto............................................0.08
4 Denis Menchov (Rus) Rabobank....................................................0.38
5 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30.....0.39
6 Carlos Sastre Candil (Spa) Team CSC - Saxo Bank......................0.49