Contador takes win

Alberto Contador powered to victory in the individual time trial in the 18th stage of the Tour de France to retain a vice-like grip on the yellow jersey on a day Lance Armstrong returned to the podium positions.

Astana rider Contador finished three seconds faster than second-placed Fabian Cancellara in a reversal of the positions from the time trial on day one of the Tour, the Spaniard doing the 40.5 kilometres trek around Lake Annecy in 48 minutes and 30 seconds.

Contador, the 2007 champion, is now 4.11mins clear of Andy Schleck overall and looks in prime shape to win his second Tour title.

Armstrong only came 16th but still displaces Frank Schleck in third place in the general classification while Andy Schleck stays second overall, despite coming 21st in today’s stage.

Irish rider Nicholas Roche is 25th overall.