One of Lance's main strengths is the team he has to help him...they are performing well in almost every way and seem to be able to stay near the front at crucial times.

As you say, Wolfgang, anything can happen in the next 10 days, and whether other riders are better or Lance is older, all these challenges MUST have an effect as various teams try to wear him down. He is being pretty smart as he keeps track of WHO is doing a breakaway, and not worrying about catching one-day wonders who are wearing themselves out just trying to get a stage win.