Schleck

COL DU TOURMALET, France - Defending champion Alberto Contador of Spain virtually secured a third Tour de France title Thursday after staying with yellow-jersey rival Andy Schleck all the way to the top of the legendary Col du Tourmalet in the pivotal 17th stage.

BAGNERES-DE-LUCHON, France - Andy Schleck lost the overall lead in the Tour de France to defending champion Alberto Contador on Monday after suffering a mechanical problem at a disastrous moment in a 15th stage won by Thomas Voeckler.

AX-3 DOMAINES, France - Christophe Riblon of France won the Tour de France's first stage in the Pyrenees on Sunday, while Andy Schleck fended off challenges from Alberto Contador to remain the race's overall leader.