VERBIER, Switzerland, July 19, 2009 (AFP) – Spain’s 2007 champion Alberto Contador of Astana took possession of the Tour de France yellow jersey after a superb solo attack and victory on the 15th stage in the Swiss Alps Sunday.

Contador, winning his first individual stage of this year’s race, attacked a small group of favorites containing teammate Lance Armstrong 5.6km from the summit of the 8.8km climb to the summit finish of Verbier.

The Spaniard’s move shook up the favorites and yellow jersey rival Andy Schleck was the only rider to try to counter his move.

Schleck, of Saxo Bank, battled hard on the remaining kilometers but could not match Contador’s smooth climbing rhythm. In the end the Luxemburger came over the finish line 43secs behind.

Seven-time champion Armstrong finished 1:33 behind, only a few seconds behind two-time race runner-up Cadel Evans of Australia.

Contador now leads Astana teammate Armstrong by 1:37 in the overall standings, with Briton Bradley Wiggins of Garmin, continuing to impress on the climbs, in third overall at 1:45.

German Andreas Kloden, also of Astana, is fourth at 2:17 while Andy Schleck’s brother and teammate Frank is fifth overall at 2:26.

Photo by: CorVos Pro