Contador keeps Schlecks in check,Armstrong falls back to fourth

Alberto Contador tightened his grip on the Tour de France when he survived attacks by the Schleck brothers in the 169.5-kms 17th stage on Wednesday. The Spaniard was the only rider strong enough to stay with Luxembourgs Frank and Andy Schleck in the last two of five climbs and the trio finished together Frank winning the stage ahead of the Tour leader and his younger sibling. If the brothers repeated strikes could not wear down the 2007 Tour champion,they did hurt Lance Armstrong and Briton Bradley Wiggins,who lost touch in the hardest climb of the day,the Col de Romme. Armstrong finished 2 minutes 18 seconds adrift,which was not enough for him to keep his place on the podium.

Contador now leads Andy Schleck by 2:26 with Frank Schleck third,3:25 behind. Seven-time Tour champion Armstrong slipped to fourth,3:55 behind and Wiggins who was third at the start sixth,4:53 adrift. Both will have a good chance to topple the Schlecks in Thursdays 40.5 kms individual time-trial around Annecy.

Contador had to stop twice in the climb to the Col des Saisies because of a mechanical problem. Team mate Andreas Kloeden waited for him before swiftly pulling him back into the peloton. The Schleck brothers then attacked repeatedly,with Contador each time on their wheel. The moves eventually wore down Armstrong and Wiggins.

The finale on the Col de la Colombiere was a four-man affair between the Schlecks and the two Astana riders. A bit fidgety,the Spaniard even attacked 16.7 kms from the finish line,but unsuccessfully,as his move finished off Kloeden but not the Schlecks.

With 15 kms to go,Armstrong decided to chase on his own to salvage his second place overall.

The American left the Briton helpless and tackled the descent at full speed,hoping to close the gap on the leaders. He finally crossed the line,2:18 behind.