Thomas Voeckler retained the Tour de France overall standing but the main contenders chopped his lead in the Stage 17. Voeckler was adamant give up the jersey but he knows that on the next days It will be difficult for him to keep.

Edvald Boasson Hagen won the Stage 17 by staying with the 14 cyclists on the breakaway. He maneuvered his bike on a long descent with composure and finished with his legs pedaling powerfully to defeat the other cyclists.

As expected, Alberto Contador launched another attack in the last ascent but this time all the contenders like Andy Schleck, Frank Schleck, and Cadel Evans were on his wheels countering him. Contador’s could to nothing but to watch his opponents keep up with his acceleration. The Schleck brothers were paying attention this time and they were ready to counter attack anything from Contador or Evans.

Hagen consistently with the group and when given the opportunity, he captured his second stage win. His first win was stage 6. The Norwegian was picked by many before the stage to win because the terrain was suited for his skills.

Meanwhile, Voeclker couldn’t accelerate as fast as the main contenders even though many of his teammates were with him. His lead to the main contenders was trimmed down by 27 seconds.

Voeckler’s lead to Evans now is 1:18 while Frank Schleck, 1:22, Andy Schleck 2:36, Sanchez, 2:59, Contador 3:15. Contador still has a chance to win his fourth title because the next stages will be the time he was waiting for. However, Evans now has the advantage for he is good in individual time trial.

Tour de France Stage 18 will be a great challenge for Voeckler to remain on his yellow jersey. If he can keep up tomorrow, then he is a legitimate contender to the Tour de France title. It is also interesting to find out how Contador will attack again and he strong he is in this final four stages. It is not too late for him to win his fourth championship.