Contador widens Tour advantage
SPAIN’S Alberto Contador tightened his grip on the Tour de France’s yellow jersey by winning yesterday’s individual time trial.
The 2007 champion extended his lead over second-placed Andy Schleck to four minutes 11 seconds, making him a near-certainty to claim the title on Sunday. Seven-time winner Lance Armstrong climbed to third overall after finishing 16th, while Bradley Wiggins boosted his hopes of becoming the first Briton to end up on the podium by moving up to fourth.
Armstrong, meanwhile, has announced he will leave Astana and ride for the newly-formed RadioShack team in next year’s Tour.
The American, 37, will also compete for them as a runner and triathlete. Speculation is rife that departing Astana team boss and long-term Arsmtrong ally Johan Bruyneel could follow him to RadioShack.