Le Tour Update: Stages 17 & 18

Stage 17: Yesterday's stage was an exciting battle for the climbers, it has defined the real contenders. The Schleck brothers attacked and lead Contador up the final climb, blew most everyone away and finished well up on everyone with Frank Schleck winning the stage. Contador lost no time and remain the leader in yellow. Lance performed brilliantly again, though he could not sustain the pace set by the Schlecks, he put time on Wiggins and actually made up nearly a minute on teammate Kloden on the climb, with an impressive comeback on the near summit and an incredible descent. Lance fell to 4th overall. With today's time trial, he will battle to ride back into the top 3.
1. Contador
2. Andy Schleck +2:26
3. Frank Schleck +3:25
4. Lance + 3:55

Stage 18: Today's individual time trial has further defined the GC.

Contador wins the time trial. Lance rides super to remain in GC contention. Andy Schleck puts in a great ride as well. GC as follows:

1. Contador

2. A. Schleck + 4:11

3. Armstrong + 5:25

4. Wigins +5:36

5. Kloden +5:38

Saturday in Mount Ventoux, a major climb that will finalize the GC! Lance will be under pressure in order to maintain a podium finish. Wiggins will challenge. Stay tuned.