Leader Sylvain Chavanel faces strong challenge as Tour de France heads into Alps

Chavanel defends yellow as Tour hits Alps

LES ROUSSES, France — Sylvain Chavanel is defending the Tour de France leader’s yellow jersey as riders set off into the Alps for a punishing stage that is likely to shake up the overall standings.

Sunday’s eighth stage is a 117.4-mile run from Station des Rousses to Morzine-Avoriaz that has two tough very difficult climbs and an uphill finish. The stage favors the Tour’s better climbers, such as defending champion Alberto Contador of Spain and seven-time champion Lance Armstrong.

Both Contador started the day in sixth and Armstrong was 14th.

Australian rider Cadel Evans, second overall, and fourth-placed Andy Schleck of Luxembourg are also likely to attack Chavanel’s lead.