New leader Schleck throws down gauntlet to Contador

ANDY SCHLECK has laid down the gauntlet to Alberto Contador as the race for the Tour de France became a duel following yesterday’s second Alpine stage.

Contador (Astana) and Schleck (Team Saxo Bank), the 2009 winner and runner-up, respectively, distanced themselves from their yellow jersey rivals on the 204.5-kilometre ninth stage from Morzine-Avoriaz to Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne.

Schleck beat Contador to the maillot jaune after leader Cadel Evans (BMC Racing) imploded on the 97th Tour’s first hors categorie (beyond category) climb, the 25.5km Col de la Madeleine.