Over 30cm of fresh snow have really improved conditions on the G.O. with a marathon 78km stage on the Praz de Lys - Sommand plateau where Jean-Philippe Pontier improved his lead position. Pontier has been less focussed on racing from the gun but rather on building a slow and steady lead over the 3400 meters of climbing. Today he managed to take 9 minutes from his Czeck rival Radek Havrda. Pontier has a dog team of experienced veterans complemented by some youngsters.
Rémy Coste stage was not so good, he lost over half an hour to the leaders. He is ill with breathing difficulties and had to leave a dog at the vet checkpoint. The time lost will be hard to make up. Daniel Juillaguet is focussing his efforts on the podium and third place behind the front runners.
Today sees a 58km technical stage with 2800 meters of climbing in les Gets. This is followed by a rest day in Megève at the halfway point of the race.
