14 July,2010 07:07 AM IST | | AFP
Andy Schleck promised a duel of epic proportions with Alberto Contador in the Pyreneean stages of this year's Tour de France after defiantly taking the race lead yesterday.
Schleck, a climbing specialist who rides for Saxo Bank, started the day 20sec down on overnight leader Cadel Evans but finished the tough ninth stage with the yellow jersey on his back for the first time in his career.
"It's possible that he (Contador) might be stronger in the Pyrenees than here in the Alps, but so will I," said Schleck.
"I still think the Pyrenees will decide the Tour, but it's easier for me now because I have only one rider to look after. I don't think other riders can come back into us."
The Luxemburger added: "The difference from this year to last year was that I am ahead of him on GC (general classification), not the other way round," he added.
"If he wants to win this, he's got to attack me. And, I hope I can attack one of his weak days "
Contador hit back after the stage: "I know what my aim is now, and which wheel I have to follow ufffd Andy Schleck's."
