On this stage, Le Tour will be celebrating the 150th anniversary of France annexing Savoy. The Côte de Laffrey climb, on leaving Vizille, is very difficult. The Col du Noyer pass is also very complicated. Yet, this does not mean it is typical high-altitude racing. The descent is very winding: let's not forget how badly Joseba Beloki fell in 2003, when he wanted to avoid Vinokourov gaining too much time on him. To avoid the Spaniard, Lance Armstrong was obliged to take a short-cut through a field.