Andy Schleck Wins Stage 17 of Tour de France

Andy Schleck has won the 17th stage of the Tour de France, trying to push Alberto Contador from his 8-second lead in the overall standings. However, the Luxembourg cyclist wasn’t able to gain any on the Spaniard, who finished second on the stage, crossing the line just inches behind.

The 2 leaders raced together - Schleck being unable to drop Contador. They finished 1′18” ahead of third place Joaquin Rodriguez Oliver. Ryder Hesjedal finished the stage in fourth place, 1′27” behind, and Samuel Sanchez came in fifth at 1′32” behind.

This is the second stage win for Schleck in this year’s Tour. Afterward, he said that he is satisfied to have won, but he also wanted to turn the white jersey into yellow. However, it unfortunately wasn’t possible, because Contador was always there and couldn’t be dropped, he added.

Schleck continued that he tried hard, changing the rhythm and trying other things, but he believes he and Contador are on the same level with the climbs. He explained that Contador attacked, but he did the most work in the sprint to win the stage. He is supper happy to win the Queen stage of the Tour this year, he added.

The time gap in the overall standings between the two leaders and third place has now increased dramatically. There are only 3 days left in the Tour now, and fate appears to be on Contador’s side. However, anything could happen on any given day. Here is a better look at the top 10 standings:

  1. Alberto Contador 83h32′39”
  2. Andy Schleck +08”
  3. Samuel Sanchez +3′32”
  4. Denis Menchov +3′53”
  5. Jurgen Van Den Broeck +5′27”
  6. Robert Gesink +6′41”
  7. Joaquin Rodriguez Oliver +7′03”
  8. Ryder Hesjedal +9′18”
  9. Roman Kreuziger +10′12”
  10. Christopher Horner +10′37”

Written by Dave Hubertt on July 23, 2010 · Filed Under Entertainment, News, Sports 

Comments

Got something to say?