**Spain’s Alberto Contador moved a step closer to victory in the Tour de France after a gruelling 17th stage, from Bourg St Maurice to Le Grand Bornand.**The Astana rider, 26, finished second, sandwiched between the Schleck brothers, Frank and Andy, but extended his lead in the general classification.
Andy and Frank Schleck are now second and third respectively in the overall standings with Lance Armstrong fourth.
Britain’s Bradley Wiggins has dropped to sixth after a seventh place finish.