Contador in control despite Schleck win

ALBERTO CONTADOR emerged from a mist-shrouded Col du Tourmalet yesterday with his Tour de France race lead intact and one foot on the top of the Paris podium.

Although Andy Schleck, his rival for the race leader’s yellow jersey, won the 174-kilometre 17th stage from Pau, Contador managed to sit on the Luxembourg rider’s wheel to the top of the 18.6-kilometre Pyrenean peak to retain his eight-second lead ahead of Sunday’s finish on the Champs Elysees.

Saturday’s 52km time-trial between Bordeaux and Pauillac represents the final chance for Schleck (Team Saxo Bank) to recover time.