Contador fights but fails... Europcar swap Jersey's... Schleck in Yellow!

After cracking on Stage 18 and practically waving goodbye to his title, Alberto Contador came out fighting on Alpe-d'Huez. He attempted a Schleck like move with 90km to go until the finish however that was quickly closed down. He did get away with Andy Schleck on the Col du Galibier however all the main GC riders grouped up again at the bottom as they faced the 21 famous bends of Alpe-d'Huez. Tommy Voeckler knew if he could remain with Schleck today his dream of winning Le Tour de France was still possible but the people's rider finally ran out of steam and had to watch his rivals ride away into the distance.

With Voeckler gone it seemed to be a show down between the Schleck's and Evans which explained why a Contador attack wasn't reacted to as quickly as imagined pre-tour. In-fact he was enabled to ride away from the group. He opened up a lead however not nearly enough to get himself back into the bike race. The Saxo-bank rider was joined by compatriot Samuel Sanchez of Euskaltel, these two riders have found themselves in each others wheel plenty of times in the mountains. Pierre Rolland was also with them, Voeckler's main body guard was allowed to pursue his own White Jersey hopes after his team-mates hopes had faded.

After all Contador's hard-work on Stage 19 it was Rolland who launched the killer attack with just over 1km to go, he went on to secure the first Stage win for a Frenchman on this years Tour and whilst Voeckler lost Yellow, Rolland inherited White. It wasn't the dream win for Contador but he left the high mountains behind with some pride as he took 34" out of the Schleck's and Evans.

Given Franks poor time-trialling abilities, I see it as a two-horse race for Le Tour de France 11 crown. Evans v Schleck! A 57" advantage in Andy's favour as well as the magic of the Maillot Jaune on his shoulders.