In a similar stage during the Dauphine-Libere last month, he lost some 15 minutes to winner Iban Mayo.

"He is playing with fire," said double Tour de France winner Laurent Fignon. "He has to take his responsibilities. Today, he was wrong."

Landis said he was aware of the efforts he still had to make before winning the Tour for the first time.

"Tomorrow will be a lot more difficult. There are more climbs. I don't see anybody regrouping before the bottom of the last climb," he said.

"The next two stages will be decisive."