Spanish rider Alberto Contador attacked on the final climb into Verbier today, securing the overall lead in the Tour de France and asserting himself as Team Astana's leader.
Arriving in 9th place today and 1:35 behind Contador, Lance Armstrong now sits in 2nd place for the overall race at 1:37 behind his team leader.
The attacks began in full after Garmin's David Millar led the group with the GC contenders into the left-hand turn onto the climb to Verbier.
Highlights of the climb included:
- Contador's attack (and punching two aggressive fans who invaded his space)
- Andy Schleck's valiant chase
- 2008 winner Carlos Sastre's acceleration, suggesting he remains a contender
- Saxo Bank's Cancellara and Voigt killing themselves setting tempo for the Schleck brothers
- The fans--what an unbelievable mass of energy
When asked about today's outcome, Lance noted that Contador was the strongest rider today and pleased that Astana had the yellow jersey.
As for being out of the yellow and possibly out of contention for an overall win now that Contador has established himself Astana's leader, Armstrong remarked "I've got seven (jerseys) at home."
Top 10 Stage 15 Results:
1. Alberto Contador Astana in 5:03:58
2. Andy Schleck Team Saxo Bank at 00:43
3. Vincenzo Nibali Liquigas in 5:05:01 at 01:03
4. Frank Schleck Team Saxo Bank in 5:05:04 at 01:06
5. Bradley Wiggins Garmin - Slipstream in 5:05:04 at 01:06
6. Carlos Sastre Cervelo Test Team in 5:05:04 at 01:06
7. Cadel Evans Silence - Lotto in 5:05:24 at 01:26
8. Andréas KlÖden Astana in 5:05:27 at 01:29
9. Lance Armstrong Astana in 5:05:33 at 01:35
10. Kim Kirchen Team Columbia - Htc in 5:05:53 at 01:55
Top 5 Overall GC Standings:
1. Alberto Contador Astana in 63:17:56
2. Lance Armstrong Astana at 01:37
3. Bradley Wiggins Garmin - Slipstream in 63:19:42 at 01:46
4. Andréas Kloden Astana in 63:20:13 at 02:17
5. Andy Schleck Team Saxo Bank in 63:20:22 at 02:26
