Tourmalet

COL DU TOURMALET, France - Andy Schleck won the most prestigious stage of this year's Tour de France, while defending champion Alberto Contador finished second Thursday to virtually guarantee a third title.

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.

PAU, France - The 172 remaining riders have set out on the Tour de France's biggest stage, a make-or-break day for Luxembourg's Andy Schleck if he wants to overcome defending champion Alberto Contador of Spain.

BAGNERES-DE-LUCHON, France - Defending champion Alberto Contador set off in yellow for the first time in this year's Tour de France Tuesday as the riders took part in the hardest stage of the race.