Looks like they're trying to physically knock Lance out of the race.

How so? Elaborate, please.

I think he was talking about how he was constantly being attacked in the first real mountain stage.

Heras and Armstrong togther weren't able to do what they did in previous years in making space for themselves. After that Beloki and Hamilton would alternate attacks, knowing that Armstrong had to respond or loose time to them.

With Beloki out of the race that strategy could change some. There aren't many other guys who can climb with Beloki's ability.