Vincenzo Nibali's Astana team manager Alexandre Vinokourov believes his protégé might have won the Tour if he keeps the same lead over his rivals at La Planche des Belles Filles on Monday.

“Monday's stage will make the difference. Yes, I think so”, he said when asked if Nibali will have the Tour won should the gap remain the same on Monday evenng.

The Italian currently leads team-mate Jakob Fuglsang by 1:44, Australian Richie Porte (SKY) by 1:58, Alejandro Valeverde (MOV) by 2:27 and Alberto Contador (TCS) by 2:34.

“It already happened once two years ago. Froome won the stage but Wiggins finished third, took the jersey and kept it until Paris,” he said.

For the road Olympic champion, the first week of the race was merciless to most riders.

“After this first week, I think that many riders have heavy legs, but Vincenzo is ready. He looks comfortable. He follows the favourites easily. The team is ready and motivated for the mountain,” he said.

FDJ team manager Yvon Madiot, who saw Thibaut Pinot take a promising 5th place, shared Vinokourov's views that the peloton is worn out.

“It's going to be a long Tour for everyone. I saw many strong riders finish very tired today,” the Frenchman said.

“For Thibaut, it's comforting. He is fresh. He is in the second row and it's fine like this. He's far less exposed,” he said.