Cadel Evans’ Tour de France title defence appeared to be in tatters on stage 16 as Bradley Wiggins sought to retain the race leader’s yellow jersey for a 10th day.

The Tour de France resumes today without Frank Schleck after the Luxembourg rider failed a drugs test.

Frank Schleck was last night in a Pau police station after leaving the Tour de France following a positive drugs test, his RadioShack- Nissan-Trek team confirmed.

The titanic tussle for the 2010 Tour de France title is set to end in Alberto Contador’s favour after the defending champion increased his advantage in today’s penultimate stage.

ANDY SCHLECK appeared calm and relaxed ahead of his yellow jersey showdown with Alberto Contador as the duo prepare to race to the summit of the Col du Tourmalet in stage 17 of the Tour de France today.

THE farewell victory Lance Armstrong hoped for failed to materialise yesterday as the seven-time Tour de France winner was beaten to the line in Pau.

Lance Armstrong's bid for a fairytale finale ended in an anticlimax today as Pierrick Fedrigo won the 16th stage of the Tour de France.

Alberto Contador has apologised for taking advantage of rival Andy Schleck’s mechanical problem to seize the Tour de France race leader’s yellow jersey.

ANDY SCHLECK yesterday blasted Alberto Contador after the Spaniard seized the Tour de France leader’s yellow jersey by taking advantage of his rival’s mechanical problem.

Alberto Contador today seized the Tour de France lead after taking advantage of yellow jersey incumbent Andy Schleck’s mechanical problem on stage 15.

TOUR DE FRANCE leader Andy Schleck believes he fared better in the latest battle with nearest rival Alberto Contador yesterday as the race entered the Pyrenees.

The latest bout in the battle for the Tour de France leader’s yellow jersey ended in a stalemate in the Pyrenees today.