TdF 2017 Stage 5

**** Froome Just did enough in the Dauphine to suggest his form was approaching an improving arc for this race, and he did claim the handy lead on offer from his GC rivals with a strong ITT showing at the Grand Depart in Dusseldorf, which was the first of his tests. Has been involved in two spills so far, however reports suggest he has not sustained any serious injuries or injuires which might have caused him to experience interrupted sleep. If it's all together for the steep finale, expect him to deply his whirling cadence of attack as he seeks to pass another test with a repeated stage win on the summit. 9/4 at SP. Looks to be coming into this at the right time. Commands the upmost respect. The one to beat.

*** Porte There is not much doubt that he is climbing very well, perhaps it was career-best climbing from the humble Australian that we were seeing in the Dauphine, however the gradients on offer here, might be another test all together for him, lending him an unknown quantity. Should nevertheless be capable of matching most of the GC contenders, and he did look impressive in the finale of stage 3 when attacking off the front after being put into a good position by his team. He may just be missing that final strong kick required to open a gap in the finale to win. Opened-up at 9/2 with the Books. Hard to discount. Take on trust.

** Aru Showed impressive attacking strength in the Dauphine last start, before going on to dominate his Nationals and claim the ITA jersey with a comprehensive win. Has the ability to bury himself in a committed attack here, however the excitment of the first major summit finish of the Tour may play against his inexperience and an impatient ride might see him dropped by the peloton at some point on the final climb. Nevertheless, he has the ability to stick-on with the select peloton without reaching for theatrics, and once involved up until the finale he also has the ability to reach out for the win with an impressive if ungainly injection of speed. 7/1 at SP. Classy type. Worthy of close consideration.

** Quintana Natural climber who will be suited the most by the gradients on offer here, although a cloud of question rests atop his form. Nevertheless, with Valverde out of the frame he has the opportunity to impress DS with a capable ride, turning his form round, righting himself after a disapointing Giro campaign, and putting himself forward as a genuine contender for the Yellow in Paris. 8/1 at SP. Would not surprise with a strong showing. Warrants respect.

** Bardet    Another GC contender coming in with the potential of an improving form arc. Has won a stage of the Tour in his past two appearances, and finished in 2nd-place on GC last year when coming from the back, late. 16/1 at SP. Will need this race run to suit, however he may just expert attack on the short descent before the final climb, which he has been known to do. Can give a good account of himself. Interesting proposition. Worthy of very close consideration.

* Contador Went out after Porte on the stage 3 climb to the line with a likely looking effort of commitment. That was interesting, however his form is still in question and he will have to be on good sensations to crack his rivals at the appropriate point on the final climb, here. 16/1 at SP. Can make his presence felt. Needs to lift. Take on trust.

1/2* Pinot Rode the Giro with some good results, and was installed as the favourite for the Polkadot jersey here. Most likely to attack from short-range, but rarely has the strength and power to hold a burying effort to the line in an authoritative fashion. Nevertheless, a stage win is his aim, 14/1 at SP. Take on trust.

1/2* Dan Martin    Came out of the Dauphine in very good condition after holding court in the Ardennes with two 2nd-place finishes in LFW and LBL. Has confirmed his racing presence and intentions when finishing in 3rd-place on stage 3, outdragging GVA toward the line. He may struggle with the speeds on the final climb, however if he can stick-on he has the ability to jump out late and win. 25/1 at SP. May surprise. Take on trust.

1/8* Fuglsang    Got fortunate in the Dauphine with the time bonuses to win the GC from Porte by a mere 10secs. Unlikely to cope with the gradients when following injections of speed on the final climb if still a part of the select peloton. Might be more capapble if going out alone. 22/1 at SP. Wait to see.

1/64* Chaves Has had a very poor season and is unlikely to experience a reversal of fortunes on such a serious climb and against such serious opposition. Moreover, he does not have any weapons at his disposal to surprise them. 40/1 at SP. Hard to have at this point. Discount.