Tour de France: Schleck triumphs in Stage 18

Andy Schleck roared to victory on the history-making 18th stage featuring the highest ever finish in Tour de France history here yesterday.

But the Luxembourger's bid for the overall lead was thwarted by Thomas Voeckler.

The French rider put up a successful effort to retain the yellow jersey on the punishing second of three day's riding in the Alps, crossing the 2,645 metre Col du Galibier summit in fifth. Schleck, who began the day 2min 36sec behind Voeckler, gambled with a solo attack on the gruelling 23km climb up Galibier, and he rounded the final bend with yellow in his grasp. But Voeckler gritted his teeth to hold onto the lead by 15sec. ufffd