Contador

Alberto Contador took his second Tour de France championship for the second time in three years. Contador clearly deserved the victory. Stage 15 was where Contador really made his mark. This was the stage that had the climb on Verbier. Contador was simply brilliant at this stage. He accelerated on the mountains like no other rider could. That was Contador's first stage win and he also took the yellow jersey then. He would not relinquish it after that. Contador would win the stage 18 time trial. Those would be the only two stages he would win, but that would be more than enough. The next closest rider was Andy Schleck, who finished four minutes and eleven seconds behind. Lance Armstrong gave a very strong showing, as he finished third overall. Armstrong finished five minutes and twenty four seconds back. Next year, Contador and Armstrong will be on separate teams and will be expected to challenge each other for the title next year.