ANDY SCHLECK appeared calm and relaxed ahead of his yellow jersey showdown with Alberto Contador as the duo prepare to race to the summit of the Col du Tourmalet in stage 17 of the Tour de France today.
Two-time champion Contador (Astana) is currently in possession of the Tour leader’s maillot jaune with an eight-second advantage over Schleck (Team Saxo Bank) ahead of today’s 174-kilometre stage from Pau to the Col du Tourmalet in the Pyrenees.
The Spaniard claimed the race lead by taking advantage of his rival’s mechanical problem – against etiquette in cycling – on Monday’s 15th stage to Bagneres-de-Luchon, overcoming a 31-second deficit by attacking at the moment Schleck’s chain slipped on the hors categorie (beyond category) Port de Bales.
The duo stayed in the same hotel in Pau on yesterday’s rest day, while their reconnaissance trips to the Col du Tourmalet took place on the same day earlier this year as they ascended the peak from alternative sides.
