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12:12:10 - Welcome To The Live Coverage Of Stage 17

The 17th stage of the Tour de France - a 169.5km journey from Bourg-Saint-Maurice to Le Grand Bornand - is due to start at 12.20pm. There is a short neutral zone before the flag will fall to signal the beignning of racing. The peloton is now lining up for the 'depart fictif' with Alberto Contador taking front row on the grid. There have been some showers in the Alps early today but none of the riders appear to have opted to take a rain jacket.

The official start is expected to be at around 12.25pm.

Live coverage of what many believe is the toughest stage of the 2009 Tour will commence shortly.

12:15:08 - News On Jens Voigt

Jens Voigt’s fall on the descent of the final climb of stage 16 was a major talking point at the finish. The German Saxo Bank rider crashed heavily and was airlifted to hospital in Grenoble where he was treated for injuries to his face and elbow. He lost consciousness during the fall but come to after a few minutes. He will undergo further scans today.

12:16:20 - Prize Classification Reviews: Part 01 – Yellow Jersey

The top five of the general classification didn’t change after the 16th stage but there was some shuffling of the order further down the overall rankings. Alberto Contador continues to lead the Tour, 1’37” ahead of his Astana team-mate Lance Armstrong while Bradley Wiggins (GRM) retains his third place (at 1’46”).

The former yellow jersey wearer Rinaldo Nocentini (ALM) slipped out of the top 10, from sixth to 14th after finishing 38th in Bourg-Saint-Maurice (3’55” behind the stage winner Mikel Astarloza).

Christophe Le Mevel (FDJ) remains the best Frenchman in the race, moving up from ninth to seventh (at 3’09”). And last year’s champion Carlos Sastre (CTT) moved into the top 10 with his 24th place yesterday. The Spaniard is now ninth overall, at 3’52”.

Astarloza (EUS) moved up from 20th to 11th, 4’38” behind Contador.

12:17:48 - Evans Looking Pensive

One of the GC favorites to lose considerable time in the 16th was Cadel Evans. He is on the left side of the road as the peloton awaits starting orders. He finished 46th yesterday and lost 3'55" to the stage winner and almost three minutes to the rider in the yellow jersey. The Australian has admitted that his chance for a podium finish for a third successive year is now beyond him.

12:21:11 - Peloton Rolling In Neutral Zone

Lance Armstrong was signing autographs at the rear of the peloton when the riders began rolling in the neutral zone. The rider in second overall quickly sped off after the bunch and he's now riding through the peloton that's about to approach the site of the official start at the base of the Cormet de Roseland climb.

12:22:19 - Prize Classification Reviews: Part 02 – Polka-Dot Jersey

The 17th stage is arguably the toughest of the 2009 Tour with five climbs, four of them ranked category-one. The final ascent, the Col de la Colombiere, carries double points today. Franco Pellizotti (LIQ) wears the polka-dot jersey for the fourth day. He claimed maximum points in the climbing classification in stage 16 (50pts) and now has at total of 159, 58 more than former King of the Mountains, Egoi Martinez (EUS). Pierrick Fedrigo (BBO) is ranked third with 97pts while the winner in Bourg-Saint-Maurice Mikel Astarloza (EUS) is fourth with 86pts.

12:22:42 - Five Climbs Today...

On the menu today are five mountain passes, four of them ranked category-one. The climbs are: Cormet de Roseland (cat-1, at 18km), Col des Saissies (cat-1, 56km), Cote de Arâches (cat-2, 111.5km), Col de Romme (cat-1, 140.5km) and the Col de la Colombière (cat-1, 154.5km).

12:23:15 - Dry Roads For The Start

There have been some showers at the start and finish of the 17th stage early today. At the moment, however, the roads are dry as the bunch rides towards the official start.

12:23:48 - Details Of First Climb

The climbing begins immediately in stage 17. The first ascent is an 18.1km one - the Cormet de Roseland - with an average gradient of 5.7 percent.

12:24:59 - Prize Classification Reviews: Part 03 – Green Jersey

Thor leads Mark. That’s the theme of this competition and there’s not likely to be any change to the top order in stage 17. Hushovd (CTT) has been in the green jersey for seven days; Cavendish (THR) has worn it for eight days and when he has led it, he’s been ranked second in the sprinters category.

Nicolas Roche (ALM) was one of the escapees in yesterday’s stage and he moved up from seventh to sixth in the points classification. Otherwise it’s status quo for the fast men while the race is in the mountains…

12:25:15 - Van Den Broeck Up Front

Jurgen Van Den Broeck is at the front of the peloton near the site of the official start. He has been one of the aggressors of the stages in the Alps. He was meant to be a domestique for Cadel Evans but there has hardly been any hint of him working for the Australian. The Belgian appears to have decided that he's a leader in his own right in his debut Tour. He was sixth in yesterday's stage. He's ranked 22nd overall...

12:27:50 - Gerdemann The First To Attack

The first rider to attack was Linus Gerdemann, the Milram team captain, is the first rider to attack today. He won his stage of the Tour at Le Grand Bornand in 2007.

12:28:29 - No Advantage Gained...

The surge by Gerdemann amounted to nothing. He's still near the head of the peloton that's strung out in one long line of riders.

12:29:37 - Prize Classification Reviews: Part 04 – White Jersey

“We’ll see what happens tomorrow,” said the leader of the youth classification, Andy Schleck (SAX) after stage 16. The rider who turned 24 on 10 June this year had hoped that he could lift himself up from fifth place overall during the stage over the ‘Grand’ and ‘Petit’ Saint-Bernard climbs but that’s not how things panned out. “At the end of the day not a lot has been achieved. I’m not happy with how the stage went…

“We tried,” said the champion of Luxembourg but he was distracted by thoughts that extended beyond his race for the white jersey. “I’m sorry but I’m a bit tense right now because I’m worried about Jens (Voigt)… I just hope that he’s okay.”

12:29:55 - Crash In Peloton

A number of riders are picking themselves up from the tarmac after a crash in the peloton. No one appears too badly hurt but some of the riders caught up were Karpets (KAT) and Pineau (QST).

12:31:47 - Stories From The Cormet de Roseland

With Gerdemann (MRM) and Arroyo two of the aggressors today, we can remind you that in stage eight of the 2007 race - when the Cormet de Roseland was last on the menu - both these riders were on the attack. The German won the stage and took the yellow jersey. The Spaniard crashed on the climb that the peloton is currently ascending. Also caught in the fall was Michael Rogers (THR) who was the virtual leader at the time. The Australian remounted and rode to the bottom but abandoned shortly afterwards.

Another casualty was Stuart O'Grady who was part of the CSC team. He fell heavily and sustained numerous injuries that forced him out of the race.

12:35:05 - Veikkanen Attacks

There is one rider with a very small advantage on the peloton. It's the original King of the Mountains of this year's race, Jussi Veikkanen (FDJ). He has been joined by Txurruka (EUS) and Sylvain Chavanel (QST).

12:36:46 - Chavanel Goes Solo

At the 5km mark, Chavanel has attacked and gone ahead on his own.

12:37:55 - Pellizotti Chasing

Pellizotti is part of a chasing trio that's now after Chavanel. Also in the counter-attack is the so-called domestique Jurgen Van Den Broeck...

12:38:49 - Prize Classification Reviews: Part 05 – Team Rankings

The Bbox squad finished stage 16 with three riders in the top 23. Pierrick Fedrigo finished third, and two others who were part of the long escape on the road to Bourg-Saint-Maurice – Laurent Lefevre and Yuri Trofimov, 22nd and 23rd respectively – helped the French formation win the team classification for the stage. But Bbox is ranked 11th overall in this category. The best team after 16 stages is Astana which is 2’32” ahead of AG2R La Mondiale and 5’54” in front of Garmin-Slipstream.

The classification is judged on the times of the three best riders from each team in each stage.

12:40:45 - Average Speeds Of First & Last Place

After 2,740.5km of racing in the 96th edition of the Tour, the average speed of Alberto Contador – ranked first overall – is 40.567km/h. (If the race was over at this point, this would be the fourth fastest Tour ever.) His advantage over second places is 1’37”, meaning Armstrong’s average speed is 40.543km/h.

The man who is last in the rankings, Kenny van Hummel (SKS) is a massive three hours, 35 minutes and 54 seconds behind Contador. The average speed of the Dutchman after 16 stages is 38.347km/h.

12:41:39 - Group In Pursuit Of Chavanel

There is a group that's now in pursuit of Chavanel who is 30" ahead of the peloton.

12:43:14 - Peloton Closing In On Counter-Attack

The group of counter-attacks includes Luis Leon Sanchez and Botchatov but the peloton has reeled them in. As always, the Astana team is at the front of the bunch.

12:44:26 - Evans Not Interested In Racing...

Evans (SIL) has been at the rear of the peloton early today. He has been showing signs of apathy after a tough day yesterday which saw him move down to 17th overall.

12:45:13 - The Lead Group

Van Den Broeck, Menchov, Pellizotti, Zabriskie, Pauriol and Uran have caught Chavanel at the front of the stage.

12:45:59 - Lequatre & Casar In Lead Group

Two other riders have caught the stage leaders. Casar (FDJ) and Lequatre (AGR) have caught the lead group which is now composed of nine riders.

12:46:48 - Evans Dropped

Evans (SIL) has been dropped on the first climb. He is now riding alongside compatriot Renshaw (THR). The peloton is currently 30" behind the escape group of nine.

12:47:28 - Perez Moreno Chasing

Perez Moreno (EUS) is in pursuit of the nine escapees. The Spaniard is 10" behind Chavanel's group.

12:48:22 - Composition Of Lead Group

The 10 men in the lead are: Jurgen van den Broeck (SIL), Denis Menchov (RAB), Dave Zabriskie (GRM), Franco Pellizotti (LIQ), Sandy Casar (FDJ), Uran (GCE), Perez Moreno (EUS), Remi Pauriol (COF), Sylvain Chavanel (QST) and Geoffroy Lequatre (AGR).

12:49:54 - Verdugo & Arrieta Chasing

There 10 leaders are 12" ahead of Verdugo (EUS) and Arrieta (ALM) and 35" ahead of the peloton.

12:51:01 - Evans Racing To Rejoin Peloton

Evans and Wegelius are working to rejoined the peloton after the Australian was dropped early today.

12:51:32 - Astarloza Punctures

There has been a rear tire puncture for yesterday's stage winner, Mikel Astarloza.

12:52:25 - Evans Back With Peloton

After an apathetic start to the stage, Cadel Evans has rejoined the peloton that's now 1'00" behind at the 10km mark.

12:52:49 - Karpets Seeks Medical Assistance

One of the riders caught in the little fall early today was Karpets (KAT). He is now seeking some assistance for an abrasion on his left wrist from the race doctor.

12:54:26 - 12 Leaders Now

Verdugo (EUS) and Arrieta (ALM) have caught the 10 stage leaders.

12:55:03 - Three Chasing 12

Monfort (THR), Bruseghin (LAM) and Rolland (BBO) are 45" behind the 12 stage leaders. the peloton is at 1'15".

12:56:52 - Evans Calls Team Car

Evans is looking in very low spirits. He has just called the team car after having been dropped by the peloton early in the 17th stage.

12:57:32 - 12 Lead By 35"

Chavanel's group is now 35" ahead of the three chasers. The stage leaders are 5km from the summit.

12:58:47 - Time For Rain Jackets

The peloton is now 1'15" behind the escapees and the rain jackets and vests that were packed into pockets at the start of the stage are now being put on.

12:59:46 - Kern Attacks

Kern is attempting to pedal away from the peloton. It's acted as a catalyst to lure Txurruka out of the peloton that's been led by Astana since Chavanel forged ahead at the 5km mark.

13:01:42 - Foul Weather Today

The conditions are a contrast to yesterday. Instead of blue skies and hot temperatures, it is windy, overcast and cool on the Cormet de Roseland. The roads are wet and rain jackets are being applied by riders in the peloton that's now 1'15" behind 12 escapees.

13:04:25 - Martinez Attacks Peloton

The peloton is 1'15" behind the escapees and now Egoi Martinez has decided it's time to try and put himself in the lead. He's attacked the bunch in the last 4km of the first climb.

13:08:48 - Gerdemann Has A Go

Gerdemann has also gone ahead of the peloton. He's being chased by Botcharov (KAT). The leaders are now in the final kilometer of the Cormet de Roseland.

13:10:08 - Evans Still Lingering Behind Bunch

Evans is still at the back of the peloton. He is pedaling but he appears to have lost all his power after an emotionally draining day yesterday.

13:11:14 - Gerdemann, Botcharov and Martinez Caught

The recent surge by three riders amounted to nothing. They have all retreated into the peloton which is now 1km from the top of the first climb.

13:11:57 - Composition Of Lead Group

The 12 leaders are: Van den Broeck (SIL), Menchov (RAB), Zabriskie (GRM), Pellizotti (LIQ), Casar (FDJ), Uran (GCE), Perez Moreno (EUS), Pauriol (COF), Chavanel (QST), Lequatre (AGR), Verdugo (EUS) and Arrieta (ALM).

13:13:02 - Escapees Over Top...

Pellizotti has led the escape group over the top of the Cormet de Roseland.

13:13:25 - Hushovd Attacks With Voeckler

Near the top of the first climb, Hushovd (CTT) has attacked the peloton along with Voeckler (BBO). They reached the top 1'05" behind the 12 escapees.

13:14:13 - Times For Escape & Peloton

The first climb of the stage took the leaders 46'49" to ascend. The peloton covered the first 18km in 48'50". We await confirmation of the situation at the summit before posting the results. (Apologies for the delay in supply of information.)

13:18:04 - Hushovd Catches Leaders

Hushovd has taken about 5km to bridge the gap to the stage leaders.

13:21:25 - Front Group Expands...

There are now about 16 riders in the lead of the stage. Radio Tour has gone blank because of overcast conditions but the following men can be seen at the front of the race:

- Hushovd (CTT)

- Van Den Broeck (SIL)

- Menchov (RAB)

- Zabriskie (GRM)

- Martinez, Perez Moreno, Txurruka and Verdugo (EUS)

- Monfort (THR)

- Arrieta (ALM)

- Pellizotti (LIQ)

- Casar (FDJ)

- Uran (GCE)

- Kern and Pauriol (COF)

- Bruseghin (LAM)

- Rolland (BBO)

- Chavanel (QST)

- Lequatre (AGR)...

13:24:18 - Hincapie On The Attack

Hincapie appears to have attacked the peloton on the descent along with Gerdemann but still Radio Tour is silent so we cannot confirm the status of the race at the moment.

13:29:12 - Dry Roads Again

We can explain that the roads are dry again as the bunch makes its way down to Beaufort (at the 38km mark).

13:29:41 - Escapees 2'00" Ahead

The yellow jersey's peloton is 2'00" behind the escapees but, alas, we cannot confirm the exact composition of the lead group.

13:31:08 - Col des Saissies Next Climb

It was on the Col des Saissies that Floyd Landis launched a ferocious attack during the 17th stage of the 2006 Tour de France. This is the next pass during today's stage. The climb is 15.1km long with an average gradient of six percent.

13:32:51 - Col des Saissies – Stage 17, 2006

The riders to earn points at the top of the Col des Saissies in the 17th stage when were:

1. Halgand

2. Gilbert

3. Garate

4. Padrnos

5. O’Grady

6. Sinkewitz

7. Righi

8. Le Mevel

There were 11 men in an escape group on that day three eyars ago. They earned a maximum lead of 11’10” after attacking a the 12km mark and their average speed for the first hour was 50.3km/h. Landis launched his attack at the base of the Col de Saissies and was 3’50” behind the 11 leaders by the summit.

13:34:23 - Evans Almost Always In Last Place

Cadel Evans is having a terrible time today. He has been at the back of the peloton virtually all day. He did line up on the front row but he was virtually dropped in the neutral zone.

13:35:55 - Leaders In Beaufort

The 16 or so riders at the front of the stage are riding on wet roads as they pass through the town of Beaufort at the 38km mark.

13:36:33 - Hassles For Lequatre & Hushovd

There has been an incident in the lead group. Hushovd and Lequatre were caught up and it seems that the Agritubel rider is now going to have to wait for the peloton. Hushovd is riding again but he has another col to climb before he can add anymore points to his green jersey collection.

13:39:46 - Peloton In Beaufort

The peloton is 3'00" behind the escapees at is passes through Beaufort (38km).

13:40:46 - Peloton Begins Second Climb

The peloton is now ascending the Col des Saissies. Contador has removed his rain jacket and the Astana squad continues to set the tempo at the front of the main pack.

13:43:20 - Confirming Riders In Lead Group

There are now 20 riders ahead of the peloton. The men involved in the escape are:

- Van den Broeck (SIL)

- Posthuma (RAB)

- Martinez, Perez Moreno, Txurruka and Verdugo (EUS)

- Hincapie and Monfort (THR)

- Arrieta (ALM)

- Pellizotti (LIQ)

- Casar (FDJ)

- Uran (GCE)

- Kern and Pauriol (COF)

- Bruseghin (LAM)

- Voeckler and Rolland (BBO)

- Chavanel and Barredo (QST)

- Gerdemann (MRM)

13:45:38 - Hushovd Leads The Stage

Hushovd is also on the attack but he's ahead of the 20-man escape group and has a lead of 10".

13:46:10 - Hushovd Has 10km To Climb

Hushovd is now 10km from the top of the Col des Saissies (which peaks at the 56km mark).

13:47:41 - Contador With Mechanical Problems

The yellow jersey is signaling for assistance from the team car. He has a flat rear tire and is now getting a new wheel from the Astana team mechanic. There must be other matters as well as it was a very long change before Gallopin, the directeur sportif, pushed him on his way again.

13:51:19 - One Rider Waits For Contador

Only one rider from the Astana team has stopped to wait for Alberto Contador. The rest of the squad is at the head of the peloton.

13:51:54 - Kloden Taking Contador Back To The Bunch

The domestique for Contador is the German ranked fourth overall, Andreas Kloden.

13:53:23 - Dessel Abandons

There are now 160 riders in the race. Cyril Dessel (AGR) has abandoned the Tour during the 17th stage.

13:53:55 - Thor Pushing On

Hushovd is still in the lead of the stage. He is 1'45" ahead of the 20 other escapees and 5'45" to the peloton.

13:57:03 - Giddy Up: Here Comes Saxo Bank

The Saxo Bank is coming to the front of the peloton. O'Grady is leading Cancellara and there appears to be serious intention to the move...

13:58:21 - Barredo Prompts A Chase

Barredo has led Kern, Pellizotti and Txurruka on a sortie from the 20-man escape group around the mid-way point of the Col des Saissies.

14:00:46 - Hushovd Leads By 1'30"

Hushovd is currently 1'30" ahead of Txurruka (EUS), Barredo (QST), Pellizotti (LIQ) and Kern (COF) and 1'40" ahead of the 16 other escapees.

14:02:44 - Peloton At 5'45"

The Saxo Bank is still in charge of the peloton which is now 5'45" behind Hushovd.

14:03:27 - 5km To Climb

Hushovd has just passed the 5km to climb sign on the Col des Saissies.

14:04:27 - Cavendish Dropped

While Hushovd leads the stage to the top of the Col des Saissies, his rival in the green jersey competition, Cavendish, has been dropped by the peloton.

14:07:44 - Menchov: Not Posthuma

We had been reporting that the Rabobank rider in the lead was Menchov. Then, in the last summary of the escapees, it was said that it was Posthuma; this was incorrect.

The Rabobank escapee today is Menchov. Apologies for any confusion caused.

14:10:06 - Peloton at 5'30"

The peloton is now 5km from the top of the climb. It is 5'30" behind the "Menchov Group".

14:10:35 - Casar Attacks Counter-Attack

Hushovd leads the 20 other escapees by 1'30" but now Casar (FDJ) has attacked the group that's in pursuit of the rider in the green jersey.

14:12:10 - Chase Of Hushovd Begins

There are a number of riders attacking the second group including Kern (COF), Pellizotti (LIQ), Barredo (QST) and Menchov (RAB).

14:14:52 - Hushovd Leads By 1'05"

The chase group is now 1'05" behind Hushovd. The rest of the escapees are at 1'25".

14:15:33 - The Second Group

Van Den Broeck (SIL), Menchov (RAB), Zabriskie (GRM), Pellizotti (LIQ), Barredo (QST), Kern (COF) and Martinez (EUS) are the riders that are in pursuit of Hushovd who is in the final kilometer of the Col des Saissies.

14:17:11 - Martin & Rogers Dropped

The former leader of the youth classification - Tony Martin - is close to being dropped by the peloton.

14:17:57 - 19.5km Between Climbing & Sprint Points

Hushovd has taken the 15 points as the first man over the Col des Saissies. He now has 19.5km to ride before adding to his sprint points tally.

14:19:26 - Result Of Col des Saissies

The points at the top of the second climb in stage 17 were won by:

1. Hushovd (CTT) 15pts

2. Pellizotti (LIQ) 13pts - at 42"

3. Kern (COF) 11pts - at 42"

4. Martinez (EUS) 9pts - at 42"

5. Txurruka (EUS) 8pts - at 54"

6. Menchov (RAB) 7pts - at 54"

7. Van Den Broeck (SIL) 6pts - at 54"

8. Barredo (QST) 5pts - at 54"

14:22:41 - Peloton 5'00" Behind

The yellow jersey's peloton is 5'00" behind Hushovd who is plummeting down the hill to the sprint in Prz-sur-Arly (at the 75.5km mark).

14:27:51 - Roads Dry Again

There is a lack in the provision of information from Radio Tour today because of a technical issue. This is being tended to but we can confirm that the Saxo Bank is leading the peloton's pursuit of the escape group on the descent of the Col des Saissies.

14:29:23 - Hushovd Leads By 1'05"

Hushovd's advantage over the next group with about 102km to go in the stage is 1'05".

14:33:42 - Thor "Rossi"...

Hushovd is doing his best to imitate Valentino Rossi on the descent. He has been leaning into the hairpins on the descent and increasing his leading margin as he approaches the first of two intermediate sprints in the stage.

14:35:46 - Kenny: King Of The Red Light

Kenny van Hummel is becoming a cult figure in the peloton. The Dutchman from the Skil-Shimano team is vying for the title of ‘Lanterne Rouge’ as the last rider in the race. The one thing that threatens this position is the possibility of finishing outside the time limit in the coming days. He is currently almost 45 minutes slower than the second-last rider (Yauheni Hutarovich).

Van Hummel finished last in stage 16, 34’43” behind Astarloza. The average speed of the winner was 37.506km/h but the King of Last Place finished the 159km course with an average of 32.778km/h.

14:36:44 - LeTour.fr's Survey For Today...

There is a daily poll on the official site of the Tour de France (LeTour.fr) each day. Today's question is: Lance Armstrong won the 17th stage of the 2004 Tour which finished in Le Grand Bornand. Do you think he can win there again?

Yes or no...? What's your thoughts?

14:39:39 - Peloton In Flumet

The peloton has just passed through Flumet at the 71km mark of the 169.5km stage. It is 5'25" behind Hushovd.

14:41:12 - Hushovd At 75km Mark

Hushovd is just about to collect six points for first place at the intermediate sprint in Praz-sur-Arly (75.5km). He began his attack at the top of the Cormet de Roseland (at the 17km mark).

14:42:18 - Hushovd: "It's Mine...!"

Thor Hushovd now has 224pts in the race for the green jersey. After he collected first-place points in Praz-sur-Arly, he gestured to the camera while holding his prize jersey and appeared to mouth the words: "It's mine..."

14:44:47 - Sallanches At 92km Mark

The town that hosted the world championships twice (in 1964 and 1980) is Sallanches is at the 92km mark of the 17th stage. The winner of the first championship here was the first Dutch champion of the Tour, Jan Janssen. He beat Vittorio Adorni and Raymond Poulidor in 1964.

In 1980, the winner was five-time Tour champion Bernard Hinault who beat Giambattista Baronchelli and Juan Fernandez Martin of Spain.

14:47:42 - Hushovd Leads By 1'30"

The Pellizotti chase group is now 1'30" behind Hushovd. At the site of the intermediate sprint, the peloton is at 5'30".

14:48:49 - The Chase Group

The riders in the chase group are: Van Den Broeck (SIL), Menchov (RAB), Martinez, Perez Moreno, Txurruka and Verdugo (EUS), Hincapie and Monfort (THR), Arrieta (ALM), Pellizotti (LIQ), Casar (FDJ), Uran (GCE), Kern and Pauriol (COF), Bruseghin (LAM), Voeckler and Rolland (BBO), Chavanel and Barredo (QST) and Gerdemann (MRM).

The highest ranked of this group after 16 stage is Casar who is ranked 15th overall, 5'40" behind Contador.

14:54:59 - Casar Moving In To Top 10

Casar has finished second in two stages this year (in Saint-Girons and Bourg-Saint-Maurice). He is currently about 4'30" ahead of the yellow jersey's peloton and is thus up to second overall... as it currently stands.

The Saxo Bank team is at the front of the peloton today with Stuart O'Grady setting the tempo of the peloton that's 5'40" behind Hushovd.

14:57:15 - Hushovd Almost Crashes...

Hushovd had to unclip his shoe from the pedal to save himself from going off the edge of a sharp left turn. He didn't crash... but came very close to doing so.

15:01:26 - Crash In Lead Group

Menchov has crashed in the escape group. He has brought down Txurruka. Both are standing again but the Euskaltel rider appears to be in considerable pain.

15:02:30 - Comments On Cadel Evans...

LeTour.fr recently contacted Hendrik Redant of the Silence-Lotto team to discuss what's happening to Cadel Evans today. The Australian has been at the back of the peloton most of the day and he appears miserable after losing considerable time in stage 16. "I really don't know what's happening," said Redant. "I know he had a bad day yesterday but I thought he might recover well - which is one of his real strengths as a rider - and perhaps even go on the attack today like we see Menchov doing.

"But I don't think we're going to see that. Cadel just doesn't feel right. He has been riding well but he's stressed and I hope that we can sort things out. I'll talk to him to night and see what we can do. As far as I know, he's not sick... he's just a bit down."

15:05:21 - Txurruka Riding Again

Txurruka is riding again but he's very cautious on the descent at the moment. The roads are wet and slippery. He was caught up in a fall that also included Menchov.

15:06:15 - Another Crash...

Menchov has crashed again in the escape group. The Giro champion was about to take a right turn and... bam! Down he went. He's back on his bike in Sallanches (at the 92km mark) but is clearly annoyed.

15:08:25 - Cut Left Knee For Menchov

Menchov is now bleeding from his left knee. He's tucked into the slipstream of his Rabobank team car and attempting to rejoin the lead group. There is some "mechanical" work being done on his brake but it's an old trick the commissaires will surely be savvy to. After two falls, he's lost quite a lot of time on the counter-attacking group that's now composed of 18 riders.

15:09:50 - Merckx Also A World Champion In Sallanches

In 1964 when the world championships were held in Sallanches (where the peloton is now), the winner of the amateur road race was Eddy Merckx. He beat compatriot Willy Planckaert and Swede Gosta Pettersson.

15:12:36 - Menchov Back In Counter-Attack

Menchov has rejoined the Hincapie group that's still in pursuit of Hushovd. The counter-attacking group of 20 has split in two but there's only 50 meters between them.

15:13:34 - Txurruka Caught By Peloton

Another one of the crash victims, Amets Txurruka, has just been caught by the peloton.

15:13:56 - Sastre Collecting Drinks

There's clearly a new approach to racing when the defending champion of the Tour de France is going back to the team car to collect drinks during what many consider to be one of the toughest stages of the race this year. The stage continues to be led by Thor Hushovd; the rider who shares his name with the god of thunder attacked at the top of the first climb and the sprint classification leader is still over five minutes clear of the peloton that's led by the Saxo Bank team.

15:17:25 - New Bike For Menchov

Menchov has stopped at the front of the race to change his bike. He has crashed twice today but is still in the lead group.

15:21:08 - Peloton At 6'05"

The peloton is now 6'05" behind Hushovd (CTT). There is still no Radio Tour today because there's a problem with the plane that usually hovers above the peloton to relay the signal.

15:23:52 - Hushovd 5km From Top Of Third Climb

Hushovd has begun the ascent of the Cote d'Araches. It is a 6.3km long climb with an average gradient of seven percent. The top is at the 111.5km mark.

15:25:40 - Hincapie Gets A Derailleur Adjustment...

One of the riders in the counter-attack is Hincapie (THR). He has just consulted the team mechanic to get an adjustment to his rear derailleur.

15:26:21 - Peloton On Third Climb

The Saxo Bank team continues to lead the peloton as it begins the ascent of the Cote d'Araches.

15:29:25 - Evans Dropped

Evans has been dropped early on the ascent of the third climb today.

15:29:48 - Kirchen Also Dropped

The pace of the Saxo Bank team is causing problems for the yellow jersey's peloton. Contador is still in control but some riders like Evans and, more recently, Kirchen are not comfortable with the pace.

15:30:53 - Astana Now Come Forward

The Astana team is now back in charge of the peloton. Zubeldia is leading ahead of Paulinho. The Saxo Bank team has slotted in behind Contador's team.

15:31:36 - Comments From Francisco Contador

The older brother of the rider in the yellow jersey has visted LeTour.fr recently. "I think that on the climb to the col de la Colombiere only the favorites will make the front group today," said Francisco Contador. "I think that one of the general classification riders will win the stage. It's a day that suits Andy Schleck and I think he's going to be good today. He could well win... but he won't gain any time on Alberto."

15:34:25 - 60km To Go

The top of the third climb today is 58km from the finish. Thor Hushovd is now about 60km from the finish. He continues to lead the stage by 1'40" from the Pellizotti group and the peloton by 4'15".

15:36:22 - Six Astanas Lead Peloton

There are now six Astana riders at the front of the peloton. It seems the peloton of "GC Guys" is about to start racing and reeling in the "sprint guy" who is now 1km from the top of the third climb. Hushovd reached a lead of six minutes at one points toda but that's dropped to 3'55" to the yellow jersey group.

15:38:34 - Hushovd At The Top

Hushovd has collected another 10 points for the climbing classification. He's first over the third climb.

15:40:43 - Pellizotti 2nd At Summit: 1'15"

1. Hushovd (CTT) 10pts

2. Pellizotti (LIQ) 9pts - at 1'15"

3. Martinez (EUS) 8pts

4. Kern (COF) 7pts

5. Van Den Broeck (SIL) 6pts

6. Zabrskie (GRM) 5pts

15:43:04 - Peloton At The Top...

The peloton has reached the top of the third climb with a deficit of 3'10" to Hushovd. The Astana team led the bunch all the way up the Cote d'Araches.

15:44:12 - 29km Between Third & Fourth Climbs

The peloton is closing in on the stage leader (Hushovd). In the last 10 minutes only Astana has been at the front of the yellow jersey's bunch. There is 29km between the cote d'Araches and the Col de Romme.

15:45:34 - Van Hummel Retires

There is a new 'Lanterne Rouge' in the peloton. Hutarovich is now the last rider in the general classification after the retirement of the King of the Red Light - Kenny van Hummel (SKS). The Dutchman has crashed today and is now on his way to hospital in an ambulance.

15:46:59 - Hushovd Leads By 1'10"

The Pellizotti group is now 1'10" behind Hushovd who has been at the front of the stage since the 25km mark.

15:49:59 - 50km To Go

Hushovd is in Chatillon-sur-Cluses (at the 119.5km mark). He is 1'00" ahead of the chase group and 2'50" ahead of the peloton.

15:51:26 - Hushovd: The Revenge Of Cluses

In 2002 the 17th stage of the Tour de France was from Aime to Cluses, which is where the second intermediate sprint of the stage today is. The winner was Dario Frigo (ITA) after an attack on the closing climbs. The peloton was led home by Thor Hushovd (NOR) who finished fifth, 2'58" behind the Italian.

15:54:01 - Peloton At 121km Mark: 2'40" Behind

With five kilometers to go to the sprint in Cluses, the peloton is now 2'40" behind Hushovd. In between the green jersey and the yellow jersey's group is a mob of 20 riders including the polka-dot jersey. Pellizotti's group is 1'00" shy of the stage leader.

15:56:02 - 20 Are 55" Behind

The 20-man chase group: Van Den Broeck (SIL), Menchov (RAB), Martinez, Perez Moreno, Txurruka and Verdugo (EUS), Hincapie and Monfort (THR), Arrieta (ALM), Pellizotti (LIQ), Casar (FDJ), Uran (GCE), Kern and Pauriol (COF), Bruseghin (LAM), Voeckler and Rolland (BBO), Chavanel and Barredo (QST) and Gerdemann (MRM) - is now 55" behind Hushovd.

15:57:31 - Hushovd Takes Another Six Points

Hushovd's advantage over Cavendish in the points classification is now 30 points. The Norwegian has taken another six points for the second intermediate sprint of the 17th stage.

15:58:22 - Result Of Cluses Sprint

1. Thor Hushovd (CTT) 6pts

2. Christophe Kern (COF) 4pts

3. Thomas Voeckler (BBO) 2pts

15:59:16 - Peloton At 2'30"

There are now three Saxo Bank riders at the front of the yellow jersey's peloton that is 2'30" behind Hushovd at the site of the second intermediate sprint (126km).

16:00:59 - Hushovd Waiting For Chasers

Hushovd is now looking back and wondering how long it will take for the 20-man chase group to catch him...

16:01:24 - Nicolas Sarkozy At Le Tour Today

The President of the French Republic, Nicolas Sarkozy, is in the car with the race director Christian Prudhomme today.

16:03:36 - Peloton At 1'50"

The advantage of the escapees is being reduced quickly now. Barredo is attacking the chase group and has now caught Hushovd. The rest of the group is just 100m behind. The peloton is at 1'50".

16:04:46 - Barredo Goes Solo

Barredo has dropped Hushovd early on the col de Romme. Hushovd has now been caught by the 19 others in the escape.

16:07:03 - Details Of Fourth Climb

The Col de Romme is a 8.8km long ascent with an average gradient of 8.9 percent. The top is at the 140.5km mark.

16:07:47 - Sastre Attacks

Sastre has attacked the peloton at the base of the Col de Romme. He has been joined by an Agritubel rider...

16:08:41 - Saxo Bank Lead Chase Of Sastre

Carlos Sastre is riding alongside Sylvain Calzati just ahead of hte peloton with the yellow jersey. The Saxo Bank team is setting the pace for the chase group...

16:09:55 - Hushovd Caught By Sastre

Sastre is insisting with his effort even though he's not gaining much on the yellow jersey. But the peloton has thinned to just 11 riders because of Sastre's efforts.

16:10:40 - Hushovd Working For Sastre

Hushovd has been caught by Sastre and now the green jersey is milking the last ounce of energy as he sets the pace for this team leader.

16:11:26 - Composition Of Yellow Jersey's Peloton

Le Mevel is the latest to be dropped by the yellow jersey's group. The riders with Contador are: Sastre, Kreuziger, Andy Schleck, Frank Schleck, Armstrong, Contador, Kloden, Vande Velde, Wiggins...

16:12:57 - Sastre Goes Again...

Sastre was just ahead of the yellow jersey's group and it appeared as though he was to be captured but the Cervelo rider has surged again. He's joined by Voeckler and is about to catch Kern.

16:13:51 - Nibali & Kreuziger Dropped

Nibali and Kreuziger have been dropped from the yellow jersey peloton.

16:14:19 - Van Den Broeck Leads The Stage

Van Den Broeck is now in the lead of the stage as the yellow jersey's peloton catches the Casar group.

16:14:49 - VDB Leads By 12"

Van Den Broeck is just 12" in front of the yellow jersey's peloton on the steep col de Romme.

16:15:16 - 16 In Yellow Jersey Group

Frank Schleck has attacked the 16 others in the yellow jersey's peloton. Armstrong has reacted and is right on the wheel of the elder Schleck brother.

16:16:00 - Andy Schledck Attacks

Andy Schleck has attacked the yellow jersey. It's caused Sastre and Pellizotti to be dropped. Only Contador, Uran and Kloden have been able to respond.

16:16:56 - Lance Follows Frank

Frank Schleck opted to chase down the yellow jersey. His acceleration was followed by Armstrong who has now bridged the gap to Contador's group.

16:17:52 - 5km To Climb

VDB leads the stage still with 5km to go. He is 20" ahead of Contador's group.

16:18:38 - Andy Goes Again...!

Andy Schleck has attacked with 5km to climb. He is being marked by Contador and Kloden. These three are now in pursuit of Van Den Broeck who is still in the lead of the stage.

16:19:34 - Frank Gets Rid Of Armstrong

Frank Schleck has attacked Armstrong's group and dropped the rider in second overall.

16:20:12 - Five In The Lead

There are now five men in the lead of stage 17: Frank and Andy Schleck, Alberto Contador, Andreas Kloden and Jurgen Van Den Broeck.

16:21:03 - Wiggins Has To Chase

Armstrong is following the wheel of Bradley Wiggins. It's an act that could cost Lance his second place but he refuses to take a turn as he's put the onus on the Garmin rider ranked third overall. They are 15" behind the Contador quintet.

16:21:58 - Wiggins Group...

There are five in the Wiggins group: Bradley, Vande Velde, Armstrong, Uran and Nibali.

16:22:52 - Four In The Lead

Van Den Broeck has been dropped from the lead group. The four at the front of the 17th stage are: Contador, Kloden, Schleck and Schleck.

16:23:50 - Four Catch VDB

Van Den Broeck has been caught by Armstrong, Wiggins, Vande Velde and Nibali.

16:24:34 - Four Chasing Four

Van Den Broeck has been dropped by the Armstrong group. There are now four riders - Contador, Kloden, Schleck and Schleck with a lead of 25" on four others: Armstrong, Wiggins, Vande Velde and Nibali.

16:25:34 - Frank Setting The Pace

Andy is following Frank at the front of the stage. Oops, now the brothers have swapped places. Either way, the two Schlecks are setting the pace of the lead group. Contador follows them and Kloden follows the yellow jersey... at the last check, this quartet is 23" ahead of the Armstrong group.

16:27:37 - VDB With Lance's Group

Van Den Broeck is the fifth rider in the Armstrong group that's 25" behind Contador's quartet 30km from the finish.

16:29:18 - Armstrong Attacks!

Armstrong has attacked the second group. Only Wiggins can respond to the Texan with 1km to climb.

16:31:41 - Four Lead Two

With 1km to climb, Armstrong and Wiggins are 55" behind Contador, Kloden, Schleck and Schleck.

16:32:19 - Kloden Moving Up To Second

At the moment, Kloden has become the virtual second place in the general classification. He has been following the wheel of Contador who continues to set behind Schleck and Schleck.

16:33:15 - Result Of Col de Romme

1. Andy Schleck 15pts

2. Frank Schleck 13pts

3. Alberto Contador 11pts

4. Andreas Kloden 9pts

5. Vincenzo Nibali 8pts - at 1'03"

6. Christian Vande Velde 7pts - at 1'03"

7. Bradley Wiggins 6pts - at 1'03"

8. Lance Armstrong 5pts - at 1'03"

16:35:52 - VDB At 1'35"

At the top of the fourth climb, Van Den Broeck (SIL) is 35" behind the yellow jersey.

16:36:22 - Sastre: Puncture

Carlos Sastre has punctured a back tire. He was well behind the stage leaders when the incident happened but the change is taking a long time...

16:39:04 - Four Lead Four By 1'20"

Contador, Kloden, Schleck and Schleck lead the Armstrong group by 1'20" on the descent of the Romme.

16:39:30 - Nibali Leading Chase

Nibali is leading Wiggins, Vande Velde and Armstrong in the pursuit of the four stage leaders who are now 25km from the finish with an advantage of 1'20".

16:40:19 - Nibali Goes Alone

On the descent, Nibali is prepared to take more risks that Armstrong, Wiggins and Vande Velde. The Italian is 1'15" behind the Contador quartet.

16:42:28 - Leaders On Col de la Colombiere

Andy Schleck is leading his brother at the base of the final ascent. The Col de la Colombiere is 7.5km long with an average gradient of 8.5 percent. The summit is 15km from the finish.

16:43:53 - Four Chasers At 1'15"

Armstrong, Wiggins, Vande Velde and Nibali are all together again. They are at the 145km mark with a deficit of 1'15" to Schleck, Schleck, Contador and Kloden.

16:44:53 - Armstrong Dropping Off The Podium...

If the race were to stop now, Armstrong would no longer be ranked second overall. He is along with a group that's 1'15" behind the current race leader. Kloden would move up to second and Andy Schleck is currently the "virtual" third place overall...

16:46:43 - 20km To Go

The leaders are 20km from the finish (and 5km from the top of the final climb). They are 1'18" ahead of the Armstrong quartet.

16:49:19 - Kloden Second To Armstrong In Le Grand Bornand In 2004

When the 17th stage of the 2004 Tour concluded in Le Grand Bornand, it appeared as though Kloden was in a winning position but he was overtaken by Armstrong in the dying meters. The top five in the 17th stage five years ago was:

1. Armstrong

2. Kloden at same time

3. Ullrich at 01"

4. Basso at 01"

5. Landis at 13"

16:51:45 - "Ride Like You Stole Something..."

The last climb of the 17th stage in 2004 was the col de la Croix Fry (15km from the finish, just like the Colombiere is today). Landis followed Armstrong over the top and Lance told his team-mate at the time: "Ride like you stole something..."

The domestique attacked the descent but was not able to get away from Kloden, Ullrich, Basso et al...

16:54:22 - "No Gifts..."

It was in Le Grand Bornand that one of the famous sayings of Armstrong's career was born. The American won his fourth climbing stage in succession in 2004 and Bernard Hinault told him on the podium, "Pas de cadeaux." No gifts indeed!

16:56:41 - Contador Attacks Lead Group

With 2km to climb, Contador has attacked the lead group. Andy Schleck is leading Frank Schleck in pursuit of the stage leader.

16:57:17 - Contador Caught

The Schleck brothers have caught Contador. Kloden has been dropped and the three stage leaders are now 1'45" ahead of Armstrong.

16:58:01 - 1km To Climb

The Schleck brothers and Contador are now 1km from the top of the Col de la Colombiere... they are 2'00" ahead of the Armstrong group. Kloden is currently fourth in the stage, 20" behind the three leaders.

16:59:45 - Kloden At 25"

Schleck, Schleck and Contador are ahead of Kloden by 25". Andy is looking behind to see if he can find the German. With no rider in sight, he has increased the tempo near the top of the final climb. Contador appears to be marking their two brothers and waiting to see if his team-mate can rejoin the lead group before the summit...

17:01:36 - Kloden At 37"

With 1km to go to the top of the final climb, Kloden is 37" behind Schleck, Schleck and Contador who have 15km to go in the stage.

17:02:41 - Armstrong At 2'20"

Armstrong, Nibali and Wiggins are 2'20" behind Schleck, Schleck and Contador with 1km to climb.

17:04:21 - Armstrong Attacks...!

Armstrong has attacked Nibali and Wiggins and immediately opened up a gap on the Italian and British riders...

17:05:26 - Situation At Summit

1. Frank Schleck 30pts

2. Andy Schleck 26pts

3. Contador 22pts

4. Kloden 18pts - at 1'15"

5. Armstrong

17:06:40 - Situation At Summit

At the top of the final climb of the 17th stage, the points were won by:

1. Frank Schleck 30pts

2. Andy Schleck 26pts

3. Contador 22pts

4. Kloden 18pts - at 1’15"

5. Armstrong 16pts - at 2'08"

6. Nibali 14pts - 2'22"

7. Wiggins 12pts - 2'40"

We await the arrival of the rest of the riders before posting the complete results...

17:08:28 - Moreau 8th At Top

The eighth rider at the top is Moreau at 3'40". He is riding with Vande Velde...

17:09:30 - 10km To Go

The leading trio has 10km to go in the stage. The Schleck brother are doing the work in an attempt to distance Kloden even further...

17:10:08 - Kloden At 1'38"

Kloden is well behind the leading trio. The last check has him at 1'38" behind Schleck, Schleck and Contador with 8km to go...

17:11:12 - Sastre's Group At 5'48"

A fairly large group of riders has just reached the summit of the Colombiere climb, 5'48" behind the Schleck group.

17:11:49 - Nibali About To Catch Armstrong

Armstrong is about 2'15" behind the leading trio. He has just been caught by Nibali with 6.5km to go in the stage.

17:12:56 - Hushovd The Most Aggressive Today

Hushovd has been voted the most aggressive rider of the 17th stage.

17:13:16 - 5km To Go

Schleck, Schleck and Contador are inside the final five kilometers of the stage. One of this trio will win the stage unless something drastic happens. They are over a minute ahead of Kloden and Andy Schleck is likely to move up to second in the general classification.

17:14:59 - Kloden 2'00" Behind At 3km To Go

The fourth rider in the stage is 2'00" behind with 3km to go. Armstrong and Nibali are at 2'15".

17:16:32 - Andy Leading For Frank

Andy has been leading the front group for most of the descent. They are less than 2km from the finish. The brother of Alberto Contador - Francisco - told LeTour.fr over an hour ago that he thought the winner of the stage would be Andy Schleck but that he wouldn't take time on the yellow jersey...

17:17:51 - A Premier Stage Win For Andy...?

Of the three in the lead, Andy is the only one not to have previously won a stage of the Tour. Contador has won two and Frank one... they are now less than 1km from the finish...

17:18:48 - Frank, Alberto, Andy...

Frank Schleck has won his second stage of the Tour de France. He beat Contador to the line in Grand Bornand.

17:20:39 - Armstrong & Nibali With Kloden...

Armstrong and Nibali have caught Kloden just before the 'Flamme Rouge'... they are racing for fourth place in the stage but more important is the time differences for the "GC Guys...".

17:21:40 - The Top Six In Stage 17

He's won at Alpe d'Huez and now Frank Schleck has celebrated another stage victory in the Tour de France. The top six in the 17th stage is:

1. Frank Schleck (LUX) SAX - 169.5km in 4h53'54" (34.603km/h)

2. Alberto Contador (ESP) AST at same time

3. Andy Schleck (LUX) SAX at same time

4. Vincenzo Nibali (ITA) LIQ at 2'18"

5. Lance Armstrong (USA) AST at 2'18"

6. Andreas Kloden (GER) AST at 2'27"

17:24:10 - The New Top On General Classification

There has been a reshuffle of the top order of the battle for the yellow jersey. The new top five is:

1. Alberto Contador

2. Andy Schleck - at 2'26"

3. Frank Schleck - at 3'25"

4. Lance Armstrong - at 3'55"

5. Andreas Kloden - at 4'44"