Schleck vows to take revenge

Andy Schleck vowed to exact revenge on Alberto Contador after finishing behind the defending champion following a mechanical problem in Monday’s 15th stage of the Tour de France.

The Luxembourg rider started the day with the race leader’s yellow jersey, but his chain jumped off shortly after he launched an attack near the end of the 12-mile ascent to the Port de Bales.

He was passed by Contador, who eventually gained 39 seconds after riding flat out with fellow Spaniard Samuel Sanchez and Russian Denis Menchov to take the yellow jersey by eight seconds.

Schleck said he felt Contador and the other riders should have waited.

“I was feeling very good and I had a mechanical problem. I lost time, it happens, I won’t cry. I lost the jersey, but it’s not over,” Schleck said. “My stomach is full of anger and I will take my revenge.

“It’s not really nice, but what can I say,” added Schleck.

Contador, who waited for Schleck when he crashed in the second stage to Spa, dismissed the criticism.

“Some people understand and some people don’t. I knew there would be a controversy,” the 27-year-old said after being booed by some of the audience while he was on the podium to take the yellow jersey.

“But I had already attacked when I learned about the incident. The race was out. We had already stopped in Spa.

“I don’t think the Tour will be won or lost on the 30 seconds I took today,” Contador said.

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TOUR DE FRANCE

Monday’s stage: The 15th stage took riders on a 116.5-mile ride from Pamiers to Bagneres-de-Luchon.

Winner: Thomas Voeckler of France won after riding away over the Port de Bales.

Yellow jersey: Defending champion Alberto Contador of Spain took the jersey by eight seconds after Andy Schleck suffered a mechanical problem.

Quote of the day: “For sure, these guys don’t get the fair-play prize today.” -- Schleck.

STAGE 15 RESULTS

1. Thomas Voeckler, France 4:44:51

2. Alessandro Ballan, Italy 1:20 behind

3. Aitor Perez, Spain same time

4. Lloyd Mondory, France 2:50 behind

5. Luke Roberts, Australia same time

OVERALL STANDINGS

1. Alberto Contador, Spain 72:50:42

2. Andy Schleck, Luxembourg 0:08 behind

3. Samuel Sanchez, Spain 2:00 behind

4. Denis Menchov, Russia 2:13 behind

5. J. Van Den Broeck, Belgium 3:39 behind

Tuesday’s stage: The 16th stage, the third in the Pyrenees, takes the riders 124 miles from Bagneres-de-Luchon to Pau. The course goes over the Col de Peyresourde, Col d’Aspin, Col d’Aubisque and the legendary Col du Tourmalet.

-- Associated Press