And so Movistar produce an attacking display on Stage 18 to claim the victory unfortunately for us it was our oft selected Nairo Quintana and not Mikel Landa who struck leaving us with a wry smile.

Wry smiles do not fill the coffers though so we look to Stage 19 and an incredibly testing Alps stage. With only 126km to travel and a daunting trek up the the Col de L’Iseran, totalling 2,770m things are sure to be fast and furious. This comes after a gradual climb all day before the finale brings already drained limbs to Tignes – another test albeit slightly easier than what has gone before.

With the culmination of yesterdays climbs we are sure big splits will occur and some riders will go into the red early leaving a chance for some major changes on the GC standings.

It looks like the main players will fight out the finish with Ineos and Movistar sure to ride hard to rid Julian Alaphillipe of his domestiques to get him isolated.

The yellow jersey worked fantastically hard yesterday but is surely more exposed now with an uphill finish in store.

With that in mind we will roll the dice again on Mikel Landa attacking and going for a stage win and a potential podium having been freed of temporary team leader duties. Thibaut Pinot and a back to form Nairo Quintana are also worth considering in what is sure to be compelling viewing.

The market is headed by Egan Bernal in what we deem a slight overreaction to his attack yesterday. With only Pinot able to chase, the gap was not as comprehensive as it could have been, although the young Colombian is sure to try and land some big blows again today in his search for a first Grand Tour.

Recommendation:

Mikel Landa to win Stage 19, 1pt win,  9/1 Generally Available

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