Schleck’s left in a wreck as Contador takes charge
aANDY SCHLECK has declared war on his Tour de France rivals after a mechanical failure saw him lose the yellow jersey to defending champion Albert Contador.
The Luxembourg rider attempted to challenge Contador near the summit of the final climb of yesterday’s 15th stage before his chain came off and jammed his rear wheel.
Contador seized the advantage to finish in seventh place – turning a 31-second deficit into an eight second lead.
“My stomach is full of anger,” Schleck raged. “The race is not finished and I want to take my revenge. I can end it like a champion.”
Thomas Voeckler won the stage between Pamiers and Bagneres-de-Luchon – the fifth victory for a Frenchman this year.
l Meanwhile, British track star Victoria Pendleton says she will miss the Commonwealth Games in Delhi in October to focus on the European Championships.