Two days in the medium mountains offered more drama than expected in the Tour de France. The return of Alberto Contador, weakness from Andy Schleck, and a rock solid Cadel Evans squaring off before the final mountain showdown offered a hint of the final showdown to come. Yellow jersey Thomas Voeckler remained as defiant as ever, even if his days may be numbered. Meanwhile, Edvald Boasson Hagen proved that perseverance pays and defeat one day must not rule out victory the next.

The riders of the 2011 Tour de France have broken the mold when it comes to "easy" and "hard" days. Every day matters and every second counts. Advantage opportunists.