Hitch, hope you don't mind my saying that you write a stage intro like no one else. By far. I know I've said that before but it bears repeating.
Four days ago I wrote:
So what was it we saw today on stage 12? Was it what it appeared to be, a weak and wounded Contador, vulnerable to attack and barely hanging on? Or was it Contador playing his cards close to his chest, holding back for the decisive selection on Saturday, where he plans to essentially win the Tour? I have to say, he was so convincing that I feared it was the former, a demoralized champion on his last legs.
Thanks to encouragement from The Hitch ("It ain't over") and others, though, and having had time to reflect, I think there is still a strong possibility that we will see AC unleash something awesome on stage 14. If he doesn't, or can't, then as Hitch says, it's over for him. Do or die.
As for the others, I'll stick with my pick of Basso for second, or first if AC falters, and not only for the Tour but also for this stage if Contador can't win it.
I had Andy for third step on the podium but now I'm thinking Evans. If stage 14 doesn't turn out to be Evans' bad day, I think he'll place very highly here, too.