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It is obvious that either Alberto Contador, currently first overall or Andy Schleck, currently second overall, could have battled for the stage win at the top of Mont Ventoux and closed the 38 second gap to stage winner Juan Manuel Garate. Instead, both leaders chose to be great teammates and lead their team’s battle for podium places in Paris.

Contador’s goals were to preserve Lance Armstrong in third, and if at all possible, jump Lance to second over Andy Schleck and leapfrog Andreas Kloden to third, sweeping the podium. When it became clear that they couldn’t dislodge Andy, Contador zeroed in on preserving Lance in third and merely covering Andy Schleck’s attacks.

Andy Schleck’s goals were also clear. First, try to drop Contador and go for the overall win. When it became clear early in the climb that Contador was strong,  Andy focused in on helping brother Frank dislodge Armstrong and move up to third.

Andy Schleck repeatedly attacked the leading group of riders hoping his brother could match his accelerations and drop all but Contador. When Andy attacked only he and Contador were able to break free. Andy would then slow down and let the dropped riders reattach and try another attack. The process played out many times, but Frank Schleck didn’t have the legs, and Armstrong at 37 was up to the task. Lance was able to cover Frank all the way up the climb, and finished only 3 seconds behind Andy and Alberto, leaving Frank and the rest of the podium contenders strewn down the mountain.

Barring catastrophe on the road tomorrow, the top three are decided, Alberto Contador, Andy Schleck, and Lance Armstrong.

The battle for the green jersey is not over, a fall or mishap on the run in to Paris and Cavendish could close the gap on Hushovd.