Alberto Contador, the exciting young Spanish cyclist, has the ammunition to fire up a real storm in the Tour de France. The 24-year-old's amazing acceleration at high altitude has seen many scribes declare him a future winner of the tour. I agree and disagree. This year's event is very open indeed and the fact that there have been several omissions of some major contenders makes it all too enthralling.

Contador has arrived at just the right time, when cycling needed a new hero. Someone to take it to the next level, and the next generation to come. He has flair, audacity, passion and above all stamina that surpasses many of his fellow riders at high altitude.

Make no mistake about it , this tour is up for the taking and Contador may just break the heart of Michael Rasmussen and so many chasing the Mallot de Jeune. Indeed, the "great Contador" may just etch his name in the history books by the end of the tour by claiming an emphatic victory on Stage 16. And hopefully he will open a time gap to see him wear that elusive yellow jersey.

Tips for Stage 16:
Contador - Super acceleration and climbs and surges like no other.

Evans  - This is time-trial specialist Cadel's  own time trial - but time is against him. Stage 16 is make or break for him.

Kloeden - Unlucky! Has worked feverishly to get Vino back into the race and as a result, has hurt his own chances. He may lift.