Well, what can you say? Stage 17 will go down as the greatest stage in Tour history. Floyd Landis’ magnificent ride shattered the field and brought him back to the front. Saturday’s time trial will decide the race, but Landis is a big time winner regardless of the outcome. If you didn’t see it, watch it tonight. There can’t possibly be anything better on the tube.

Predictably, all the GC contenders were weakened by 2-1/2 weeks of riding and the last two mountain stages. Carlos Sastre bravely hung on to keep himself in contention, but the others wilted under the heat, the climbs and an attacking Landis, who just wouldn’t quit and couldn’t be cracked. Landis attacked on the first climb and wouldn’t allow himself to be brought back, staying away all day and bringing back memories of the late Marco Pantani. Landis now needs to take 20 seconds from Sastre and 31 seconds from Pereiro in the final TT to win, and with the Tour on the line, he should be able to do it.

Saturday’s time trial will be a nail biter to watch as Landis will start third to last, before Pereiro and Sastre. All the riders will get updates as to the time gaps and will know how hard they need to ride to win, but Landis is the better time trialer, and barring an unforeseen mechanical problem, should take the yellow back for good. With the small time gaps, we may still see some fights for the time bonuses, but I think Phonak will work out deals ensuring that breakaways eat up the extra time.

Tune in Saturday, it will be fireworks all morning.