Andy Schleck’s chance to win the tour lies in this Tour de France Stage 18 because of the fact that this is a long stage with high category mountains. Schleck must increase his lead over Alberto Contador and Cadel Evans. Schleck’s advantage is his brother’s presence to guide him to the summit.

Contador’s move in another attack in Stage 17 was not a surprise to Schleck that he countered them successfully by staying on his wheels. Schleck has to stop the damage and his reactions were on timing. Contador accelerated so many times but the contenders bridged the gap immediately.

With all the eyes on the three time winner, Tour de France Stage 18 is the biggest challenge that the riders have to face. A 205 km gruelling Alps stage that the riders have to travel with through their bikes. Three High Category climbs is the road from Pinerolo to Galibier Serre-Chevalier that will test the contenders. Though this is the day that Contador waits for, Andy Schleck also prepared himself to distance himself from the field of seven contenders. This might be the day that Contador will gain time over Voeckler and the contenders.

However, everytime Contador make a move, Cadel Evans stayed with him all the time in stage 16 and 17. Evans poses the threat for Contador and Schleck’s hope of capturing the title. Evans enters into the scene as a major contender making the Tour de France 2011 more dramatic in the next three stages. The advantage of Evans is that he leads Contador and Schleck. Furthermore, Evans is good in individual time trial that will negate the advantages of Contador and Schleck.

Stage 18 might be the stage in which Contador will seize the yellow jersey assuming that Schleck brothers, Evans, and even the current leader Thomas Voeckler will not perform their best. Expect in this stage the role of Frank Schleck in helping his brother countering the attacks of Contador. If they will go aggressive, they will start the attack to tire Contador, Evans, and Voeckler.

Because of the stiffness of the cols, Voeckler might be giving up in the second mountain the Col d’lzoard. But the action will eventually be centered on the last ascent to the finish.

One of the silent contender in this year’s tour is Ivan Basso who was third in 2004 and runner up to Lance Armstrong in 2005. Basso still has the acceleration that he needs to distance himself from the field. If he will ride his best today, he can win this Tour de France Stage 18.

Tour de France Stage 18 will surely shake the overall standings. Will Contador win this stage?