In the Alpine stage the Tour enters Italy.

Yet he could take an Alpine stage and finish high in the mountains classification.

Everyone in the peloton wakes on the morning of an Alpine stage with a feeling of dread.

The Alpine stages are not for youngsters.

But first, before the race against the clock on Saturday, comes the major Alpine stage.

On Thursday an even tougher Alpine stage is scheduled.

The final Alpine stage was canceled when the riders held a protest against the French police for their handling of the doping investigation.

With another major Alpine stage scheduled Monday, he is beginning to look like a man with climbing legs and a zest for victory.

Even if he did not win the last of two Alpine stages, Indurain lost no time to a rider who threatens his reign.

He seems confident that the strategy will continue to work in the next two Alpine stages, Sunday and Tuesday.