Frank Schleck's CSC team attacked in the Pyrenees, did it again in the first Tour de France alpine stage and promised yesterday there was more to come.
Luxembourg's Schleck took the overall leader's yellow jersey at the end of the 15th stage courtesy of the fierce pace his team-mates set in the final ascent to Prato Nevoso on Sunday.
Schleck, who leads Austrian Bernhard Kohl by seven seconds and Cadel Evans by eight, knows however that it is not enough to win the Tour, considering that the Australian is set to grab at least two minutes in the penultimate day's 53 kms time trial.
"I can promise you that you will see a very aggressive and very strong CSC team in the next two stages," Schleck told reporters.
"We are not here to defend the yellow jersey, we are here to win the Tour," added CSC team manager Bjarne Riis.
"We know that seven seconds is not enough for Saturday."
CSC's strategy in the mountains has been simple. They ride a time trial to wear out Evans and Denis Menchov's aides, isolating the two favourites before launching an all-out attack.
With Spain's Carlos Sastre and the Schleck brothers Frank and Andy all climbing specialists, the move has been very effective, with Evans dropped in the final kilometres on Sunday.
"And yesterday was not a real mountain stage, unlike the next two day's stages so it gives us confidence," said Riis.
Andy, younger of the Schleck brothers, shared the point of view.
"We can do better. Yesterday was not an out-of-category final climb," the 23-year-old said.
"It was an ascent that was more designed for guys like Cadel Evans, it was regular with not many steep parts."
The last two Alpine stages could be hard for Evans if Sastre and the Schleck brothers stick to their strategy.
Today, the peloton will climb the out-of-category Col de la Lombarde and Col de la Bonette, the highest point of the Tour, culminating at 2,802 metres.
Tomorrow's showdown includes three out-of-category ascents; the Col du Galibier, the Col de la Croix de Fer and the 21 hairpins of the Alpe d'Huez, where the 17th stage will end.
Riis said his team could surprise every one with a new strategy.
"I always stick to my gut feeling, listen to them. Maybe we will come up with a completely different plan," said the Dane.