Tour de France history: The duel between Andy Schleck and Alberto Contador shaped the Tour de France for three years. One scene on July 19.07.2010, XNUMX was particularly hotly debated. At that time, the Luxembourger's chain jumped off his bike - and the Spaniard attacked.
Contador & Schleck were equals in the mountains
The Tour de France 2010 is probably one of the most exciting Tour of France in recent decades. At that time dueled - as in the year before and the year after - Andy Schleck and Alberto Contador. In the high mountains, they seemed to be on par, especially in this event. Despite numerous attacks, they just couldn't shake off. Only on the 15st stage should it succeed – with questionable means. The section led over 187,5 kilometers from Pamiers to Bagnères-de-Luchon. When Andy Schleck was driving in yellow Port de Bales attacked, the chain jumped off his bike. Alberto Contador used this opportunity to build up a lead and take the overall lead. The Spaniard was booed at the award ceremony.
Alberto Contador:
“When I drove past him, I didn't know that he had a defect. I didn't find out about that until later, but by then the lead was already too big.”
39 seconds lost and Yellow changing hands
Andy Schleck lost on said 15th stage 39 seconds on his rival. Whereas Alberto Contador was 31 seconds behind in the overall standings, he now led by eight seconds. Although Schleck won the 17th stage up to the Col du Tourmalet, it wasn't enough. Contador was simply faster in the time trial from Bordeaux to Pauillac. At the end of the three weeks he was at the top of the podium – by a margin of exactly 39 seconds on lick.
Andy Schleich:
"He certainly won't get a fair play award for that. My stomach is full of anger. In this situation I would not have taken advantage. I wouldn't have wanted to get the jersey like that. But those are different cultures. I don't shed a tear for the jersey. I will take revenge for this. The tour isn't over yet, it's only just beginning."
Happy ending: Andy Schleck is the 2010 tour winner
Because the distance at the end of the three weeks is exactly that 39 seconds corresponded, the discussion did not die down even after the Tour of France. In Contador's defense it can be stated that Denis Menchov and Samuel Sánchez also attacked and he therefore felt compelled to ride with them. In addition, the Spaniard has already followed on the second stage Spa waiting for the Schleck brothers after they fell. A day later, the tour entourage drove towards Arenberg. Contador suffered a broken wheel spoke on a cobblestone section and Schleck was able to gain almost a minute from it. It's just like Johnny Schleck - Andy's father - said in an interview: "Nobody gives presents here." Also, it came on 27 November 2014 to an unexpected turning point. Schleck got the overall victory because of a positive doping result from Contador.