Alberto Contador and Lance Armstrong protected their first and third places in the Tour de France on Saturday by repelling attacks by Andy and Frank Schleck on the barren slopes of Mont Ventoux.
Juan Garate (Rabobank) won Stage 20 when he attacked Tony Martin (Columbia) about 40 seconds ahead of the yellow jersey group. They were the last two survivors of a 16-man breakaway that at one point had 10 minutes on the peloton.
After the race, Armstrong told Versus that he was pleased with his efforts:
“I can't complain… For an old fart coming in here and getting on the podium with these young guys [that's] not so bad.”
Third place
Armstrong had gained third place on Thursday when he finished ahead of rivals Frank Schleck and Bradley Wiggins in the individual time trial. He held that place on Friday and had to hold them off on the grueling climb up Mont Ventoux on Saturday.
Although Armstrong had difficulties earlier on some climbs, he was able to mark every acceleration by Frank Schleck, behind Armstrong by 38 seconds, on Saturday. Wiggins never threatened the American, satisfied to hold onto his 4th place overall by keeping the leaders in sight.
The Schlecks, brothers from Luxembourg who ride for Saxo Bank, had worked together in the Alps to put themselves high in the overall classification. Andy Schleck entered Saturday's stage in 2nd place, 4:11 behind race leader Contador. Frank Schleck sat in 6th place.
Attacks
After Saxo Bank shed most of the peloton on the lower slopes of Mont Ventoux, the Schlecks launched a series of attacks. But Andy couldn't shed Contador, and Frank couldn't drop Armstrong. After Andy Schleck's first few failed attempts, he seemed more intent on helping brother Frank shake off Armstrong, which didn't happen.
The yellow jersey group finished 38 seconds behind Garate, who won his first stage of the Tour de France.
Breakaway
He and Martin were the survivors of a breakaway that launched itself about 3 miles into the 104-mile stage that began in Montelimar. At one point, the 16-man breakaway had nearly 10 minutes on the peloton, driven by Saxo Bank, Garmin and Astana over three category 3 and one category 4 climb.
That margin rapidly came down when the peloton hit the bottom of Mont Ventoux. After Saxo Bank tried to soften up the yellow jersey group with a hard pace at the front, the Schlecks started their attacks about 8 miles from the summit.
Sunday is the last day of the Tour. Traditionally, the overall standings remain intact as the sprinters attempt a victory on the Champs Elysees.
Top 10 overall
1. Alberto Contador (Astana)
2. Andy Schleck (Saxo Bank) – 4:11
3. Lance Armstrong (Astana) – 5:24
4. Bradley Wiggins (Garmin) – 6:01
5. Frank Schleck (Saxo Bank) – 6:04
6. Andreas Kloden (Astana) – 6:42
7. Vincenzo Nibali (Liquigas) – 7:35
8. Christian Vande Velde (Garmin) – 12:04
9. Roman Kreuziger – 14:16
10. Christophe Le Mevel (Francaise des Jeux) – 14:25
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