PAU, France (AP) -- The 172 remaining riders have set out on the
Tour de France's biggest stage, a make-or-break day for
Luxembourg's Andy Schleck if he wants to overcome defending
champion Alberto Contador of Spain.
The riders have left Pau on the 108.1-mile 17th stage that ends
with one of the most wrenching ascents in pro cycling -- the climb of the Col du Tourmalet.
Schleck hopes to make up an eight-second deficit to Contador and then open a lead big enough to get him through Saturday's
time-trial -- a discipline which is Contador's specialty.
The Tour finishes in Paris on Sunday.
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