I can still win it, says Schleck

Andy Schleck insists the race for the Tour de France yellow jersey isn't over, despite failing to reclaim the lead from Alberto Contador in the race's final climbing stage.

Schleck and Contador duelled throughout the final 10km of the 18.6km stage 17 on the Col du Tourmalet, but despite Schleck taking the stage win Contador regained the yellow jersey with an eight-second overall lead.

Schleck had said the rider who finished in front after Thursday's stage would go on to win the race, but now he has changed his tune.

"I changed my mind when I crossed the finish line today," the 25-year-old Luxemburger said.

"My dad always said that the riders who did a good time trial fell off their bikes (with fatigue) at the finish line, and that's what I plan to do on Saturday.

"There's only eight seconds between us. I can see the yellow jersey in front of me and I'm not going to give up until we get to Paris.

"Along with him (Contador), maybe now I'm the best climber on this Tour. I hope I can also match him in the time trial."

Spain's Contador, 27, is chasing his third Tour de France yellow jersey.