Weather looking bad While it was sunny and warm at the finish of Sunday's stage in Dax, dark clouds broiled over the Pyr n es, looming to the south. Forecasts for Monday call for rain, strong winds, fog and even a chance of snow on the highest cols. It will be a punishing day. If someone loses a lot of time on Hautacam, they will have a hard time to get it back. Some riders love the cold miserable weather, but most of those are Belgians who shine in the Spring Classics.
Most climbers thrive in the heat.
It will be interesting to see who will not panic when the weather turns bad. The stage has the makings of a classic. Last year Armstrong had a lead of more than two minutes going into the first mountain stages. Another half-dozen strong riders are still within striking distance. Everyone agrees, however, that the man to watch is Italian Marco Pantani, winner of the 1998 Tour.