Tour de France
Stage 17: Pau to Col du Tourmalet, 174km/108mi
By Cathy Mehl

It was the 75th time the Tour de France included the climb to the Tourmalet as part of the route.  Thursday’s stage 17 mountaintop finish was predicted to be an epic battle between Andy Schleck of Saxo Bank and race leader and defending champion Alberto Contador (Astana).  Needing only nine seconds to take back the yellow jersey, it was the final day in the mountains and the last chance for Schleck to move into the lead before Saturday’s decisive time trial.  Attacking as the main field exited the village of Bareges, Schleck accelerated away from the group with 12km to go.  Contador immediately responded, distancing everyone else and the battle was on between the top two riders.  Schleck stomped out a rhythm and accelerated a few times to break things up, but Contador responded every time and the duo rode together as the kilometers ticked over.   After a few minutes Andy would attempt to ride away but Contador would close the distance each time.  Finally Contador gave a dig, but Schleck rode back to the wheel as well, and approaching the top the two riders were side-by-side with the Luxembourger just taking the victory on the line as Contador eased off, acknowledging the work Schleck put in on the front for the entire climb.  Schleck pumped his fist, smiled broadly and patted his friend Contador on the back, the battle ending in a draw. 

Check out today's shots from "Behind the Lines" of stage seventeen of the Tour de France.

Check out the photos from stage 17 of the Tour de France.

High Mountains Stage
Thu, July 22 —starts at 12:15 local time

About Stage 17
By Chris Brewer
With the exception of the upcoming Time Trial, I think this stage is the most decisive of the race.  With just a short 33km run in to the real work, the peloton faces two demanding Cat 1 climbs leading to a 33km showdown to the summit of the Col du Tourmalet.  Expect a tremendous effort as each man is laid bare against one of the most famous climbs in Tour history.  It’s all on the line today!