Andy Schleck chances of winning the Tour de France is slimmer than a year ago when he was competing only with Alberto Contador. Schleck has so many competitors in this tour that it would be difficult for him to win without anything extraordinary. Schleck needs to be courageously attacking the other big guns in order to create a distance in the Stage 16.

Andy hasn’t made the big move that can separate himself from Cadel Evans, Thomas Voeckler, Ivan Basso, and Alberto Contador. He must think that it is not only Contador that he races with. Evan’s consistency and Basso’s physicality post a threat to Schleck in this Tour de France 2011. Furthermore, the lead of Voeckler to him would be difficult to catch if he couldn’t destroy the field in one of the stages.

Schleck has been the first runner up in TDF 2009 and 2010 to Contador. Last year, his gap to Contador was so small that he is expected to win the TDF 2011. One of the biggest advantage of Andy this time is his brother Frank who can help him alleviate the attacks from Contador. He can also used his brother to cover him and bring him to the summit in the upcoming stages.

Is stage 16 for Andy Schleck or will he let the other strong men to be with him passing the finish line? He can make time in stage 16 from Saint-Paul-Trois-Châteaux 162.5 km, if he decides to make the move. However, according to experts in the Alps, the contenders will just play safe to the finish and prepare for stage 17. The stage contains not much of the hurdles for the contenders but it can be devastating with the occurences of accidents.

Meanwhile, the current leader Voeckler will be defending his yellow jersey and he will try everything to keep it for another day. Voeckler according to many is in his prime and his skills in the mountains might win him the Tour de France. Will he able to withstand the attacks of Contador, Schlecks brothers, and Evans? This is the Tour de France which produces the thrill as we come near to the end.