'It will be a big war': Mollema challenging Froome at Tour

(Photo: The Associated Press)BERN, Switzerland (AP) — Bauke Mollema has been in this position before: Second in the Tour de France on the second and final rest day.

The difference from three years ago, when Mollema faded over the final week due to illness, is experience.

"Now I know a little bit what to expect with all this kind of things," Mollema told a packed news conference on Tuesday. "It's not only cycling. Also, my level is better than it was three years ago."

While he's still largely unknown outside his native Netherlands and cycling circles, Mollema is shaping up as the top challenger to defending champion and race leader Chris Froome.

Two-time Tour runner-up Nairo Quintana was…