Stage 16 success for Rasmussen

Yellow jersey holder Michael Rasmussen brought a thrilling end to a controversial day in the Tour de France by winning stage 16 from Orthez to Col d’Aubisque.

The Rabobank rider claimed glory on the demanding Pyrenees mountain-top finish, widely regarded as the toughest stage of this year’s Tour, 26 seconds ahead of fellow yellow jersey contender Levi Leipheimer and 35 seconds clear of Alberto Contador as they fought out a gruelling three-way battle for stage success.