Seems to me that the only way to beat Astana is to hope they wear themselves out trying to protect both Lance and AC. Otherwise, they're just too strong: quite the luxury to have 2 guys who have finished on the podium as support riders, to say nothing of having plenty of other guys (Popo, Zubeldia, etc.) who can put the hammer down for a stage or two. As for Lance in the mountains: let's face it, we don't really know. I am among those who suspect that he won't quite be able to keep up w/AC and Sastre, but it's hard to deny that he's been getting better as the year has gone along. At this point, it would hardly be shocking if he can stay w/the other climbers thru the mountains. We'll learn a lot more tomorrow - can't wait!