With the two favourites out, the general classification appears to be Vincenzo Nibali’s to lose but there is still plenty to play for with the Pyrenees and Alps to come.
And even if the maillot jaune proves to be out of reach, the race for the remaining podium spots has been blown wide open.
Less than two minutes separates the rest of the top ten overall, with Richie Porte (Team Sky) sitting second.
It will be interesting to see how the Australian fares having been unexpectedly handed his opportunity to shine.
His time trialling ability, the sort which sealed Paris-Nice success last year, is certainly in his favour if he is still in the hunt come the penultimate stage and his climbing ability has already been proven in the service of Chris Froome.
It is not just Porte in good shape either, but his right-hand man Geraint Thomas which could prove crucial in the coming weeks.
Nevertheless, with Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) enjoying a phenomenal year and riders such as world champion Rui Costa (Lampre-Merida), Bauke Mollema (Belkin) and four Frenchmen in the hunt it will not be straight-forward for anyone.
How the French riders – Romain Bardet (Ag2r-La Mondiale), Thibaut Pinot (FDJ.fr), Tony Gallopin (Lotto-Belisol) and Jean-Christophe Peraud (Ag2r-La Mondiale) – can do will also be interesting.
After years without success for the home riders, Gallopin has already pulled on the yellow jersey while Bardet currently owns the white.
Maybe, just maybe, the tide is turning for the host nation.
Tour de France 2014: general classification after stage ten
1) Vincenzo Nibali (ITA) – Astana – 42.33.38hrs
2) Richie Porte (AUS) – Team Sky +2.23
3) Alejandro Valverde (ESP) – Movistar +2.47
4) Romain Bardet (FRA) – Ag2r-La Mondiale +3.01
5) Tony Gallopin (FRA) – Lotto-Belisol +3.12
6) Thibaut Pinot (FRA) – FDJ.fr +3.47
7) Tejay van Garderen (USA) – BMC Racing +3.56
8) Jean-Christophe Peraud (FRA) – Ag2r-La Mondiale +3.57
9) Rui Costa (POR) – Lampre-Merida +3.58
10) Bauke Mollema (NED) – Belkin Pro Cycling +4.08
