Originally Posted by
chasm54
Yes, but there's a reason he couldn't keep up with his teammates, and it wasn't just the crashes. He looks in seriously poor form. I'd be very surprised if he has it in him to win a stage - especially not the Tourmalet...
This is the key point. He has looked bad on every stage except the opening prologue (which was very short). I'm a fan of his but he doesn't have the legs or lungs anymore. He is making mistakes on the road, is tentative, and no longer has the legs.
Can he regain some composure and stick with the peloton, sure. Can he attack and win a stage. Not in my opinion.
Also, keep in mind the humiliation and embarrassment if he attacks on a mountain top finish and none of the big men of the Tour react because he is no threat. I don't think he will want that video (along with the video of him getting out-sprinted by a nobody for the finish as his last highlight.