Sublime Schleck

Andy Schleck, the whining rider who doesn't like downhills. He doesn't like the short stage, he only likes long summit top finishes. Well today as the Peloton set their sights on the Galibier, the sulking rider from Leopard Trek decided today was his day and would sulk no more. With Alberto Contador and Cadel Evans taking time out of him on the two previous stages Schleck needed to make up time, especially with Thomas Voeckler riding like a man possessed in Yellow.

On the Col d'lzoard Schleck broke, there was no response from his main rivals and with around 50km to go it was an audacious attack that could turn out to be Tour defining. It was such a haul from the man that said he was going to win Le Tour de France. Time was creeping up and up as he powered on over the easier side of the Galibier. Cadel Evans the plucky Aussie who has come 2nd twice was driving the chasing group on, Frank (Andy's brother) was getting a free tow as he refused to do any work. Schleck had opened up 2 minute gap on his GC rivals.

Evans ramped up the pace to try and limit the gap to Schleck, Contador who had been paced up all three climbs was expected to attack but instead he cracked! The reigning champion of Le Tour lost the wheel of his rivals and slowly started to go backwards. After two days of attacking the Spanish master's Tour hopes soured.

Frank Schleck was the one to attack Evans only with a few hundred metres to go and took 7" out off him however it was his younger brother who had powered his way to victory on Stage 18 and put himself firmly in pole position for that top step on the podium.