Schleck Conquers Tourmalet, Unable to Unhinged Contador – 97th Tour de France, Stage 17
The final, and perhaps decisive, mountain stage of the 97th Tour de France was billed as the dual on the Tourmalet.
With the steep inclines and foggy weather serving as the background, this year's top two riders, Alberto Contador (Astana) and Andy Schleck (Team Saxo Bank) stood toe-to-toe on the fabled mountain pass as thousands of crazed cycling fans and even a herd of sheep tuned in in hopes of a memorable spectacle.
What ensued was a battle reminiscent of Greg Lemond and Bernard Hinault in 1986 as maillot jaune wearer, Contador, metered every twitch and refused to cede a single second to Schleck. Though Schleck could never be confused with the Badger, or Contador for Lemond for that matter, Schleck worked relentlessly to shake the Spaniard from his wheel. The Luxembourger never laid down a massive attack, such as the one that saw him drop his chain on Stage 15, which might have disappointed some fans, but he would nonetheless garner his second stage win in this year's Tour.
Joaquin Rodriguez (Team Katusha) rounded out the day's podium in third.
Stage 17 Results
1. Andy Schleck (Lux) Team Saxo Bank
2. Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Astana
3. Joaquin Rodriguez (Spa) Team Katusha
Tooting His Own Horn
Those who envisioned Chris Horner in the top ten of the General Classification as well as being the highest placed Team RadioShack rider by Tour's end certainly have cause to celebrate.
The 38-year old, who was left off of last year's Tour de France squad, solidified his place on the GC by finishing 1:45 in arrears to Schleck and Contador.
General Classification After Stage 17
1. Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Astana
2. Andy Schleck (Lux) Team Saxo Bank - 0:00:08
3. Samuel Sánchez Gonzalez (Spa) Euskaltel - Euskadi - 0:03:32
4. Denis Menchov (Rus) Rabobank - 0:03:53
5. Jurgen Van Den Broeck (Bel) Omega Pharma-Lotto - 0:05:27
6. Robert Gesink (Ned) Rabobank - 0:06:41
7. Joaquin Rodriguez (Spa) Team Katusha - 0:07:03
8. Ryder Hesjedal (Can) Garmin - Transitions - 0:09:18
9. Roman Kreuziger (Cze) Liquigas-Doimo - 0:10:12
10. Christopher Horner (USA) Team Radioshack - 0:10:37
Jersey Leaders After Stage 17
maillot jaune - Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Astana
maillot vert - Thor Hushovd (Nor) Cervelo Test Team
maillot à pois rouges - Anthony Charteau (Fra) Bbox Bouygues Telecom
maillot blanc - Andy Schleck (Lux) Team Saxo Bank
Next: Stage 18 -Salies-de-Béarn to Bordeaux (198km)The sprinters will finally be able to stretch their legs after biding their time in the comfort of the autobus.
Photo: Spencer Platt/Getty Images
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