Happy to get through difficult stage: Contador

Alberto Contador consolidated his position in the yellow jersey after a controlled ride in the Tour de France's 16th stage won by fellow Spaniard Mikel Astarloza.

Happy to get through difficult stage: Contador

Alberto Contador consolidated his position in the yellow jersey after a controlled ride in the Tour de France's 16th stage won by fellow Spaniard Mikel Astarloza.

Contador finished alongside the rest of his maillot-jaune rivals 59 seconds behind Astarloza, who timed his finish to perfection to race clear of a four-man leading group and prevail after a trek of 159 kilometres from Martigny to Bourg St Maurice, the second Alpine stage.

Sandy Casar and Pierrick Fedrigo finished second and third respectively, six seconds off Astarloza, who sped away from his breakaway group with two kilometres left on the descent from Col du Petit St Bernard. Contador comfortably withstood a couple of attacks by the aggressive Andy Schleck, who stays fifth overall, and the 2007 champion looks in prime shape to win his second Tour.

His Astana teammate Lance Armstrong was dropped for a while halfway up the Col du Petit St Bernard, but the American recovered well to finish in the yellow-jersey group and stay second in the general classification, 97 seconds off Contador.

Britain's Bradley Wiggins had another strong day in the saddleu00a0he never lost sight of Contador and remains in third position, nine seconds behind Armstrong.

"It was a tough stage," Contador said.

"Attacks were expected but I was able to resist. I am happy to have got through this difficult stage."

Astarloza, who was in a number of lead groups throughout the day, was able to celebrate his maiden Tour win.

"I have tried many times to win a stage so I am very happy," he said.

"I had the chance to go clear alone and I took it. I like climbing, I am a good rider but I am not good in a sprint. To win, I had to attack from far out."