On Wednesday, the Tour heads to the mythical L'Alpe d'Huez -- cycling's version of Wembley Stadium -- for a 15.5km time trial, where riders race individually against the clock. A massive fan turnout is expected for the most talked-about stage of this year's Tour.
"There will be euphoria, masses of people, risks ... but it will be OK," Prescheux said. Organizers will erect barricades on the last half of the course, and each rider will have vehicle escorts.
Armstrong is currently in second place overall with six stages remaining in the showcase event. Victory in Paris on July 25 would make him the only winner of six Tours.
Some critics say he worries too much about his safety. A day after the hectic Pyrenees ride, a group of Basque supporters booed and banged on the side of his team bus as it rolled into the walled town of Carcassonne. Team spokesman Jogi Mueller said the fans were angry about his safety concern.
But most fans are appreciative, often waiting hours in the rain just to see riders zip by in seconds. Armstrong said such support is not lost on him.
"There's nothing like it," he said.
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