The 2012 Tour de France is headed for the mountains in what figures to be an abbreviated but fast-paced Thursday session. At 143.5 kilometers, Stage 17 is one of the shortest in the campaign, but also one of the most formidable as they end up finishing high in the mountains of the Pyrénées from Bagnères-de-Luchon to Peyregudes. If anyone plans on making a move this is probably the best chance any of these guys will have.
Bradley Wiggins is in banner position, as he currently holds the yellow jersey and has no intention of giving it up. The team of Wiggins and Chris Froome have managed to keep themselves at the top of the line. This is pretty much one of the last real chances for anyone to really come up and contend down the stretch, as Wiggins is going to be really tough to beat and win the whole thing past these next few stages.
Television Coverage: NBC Sports Network starting at 5 a.m. PT
Streaming Coverage: Available via NBC Sports, with subscription
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