Michael Rasmussen has the yellow jersey for stage 15 - a 196km trek from Foix to Loudenvielle-Le Louron

The riders face a gruelling challenge including five climbs - the last of which is at Col de Peyresourde

The setting looks magnificent but for the competitors the course could hardly be more punishing

The locals take their chance to enjoy the sun and offer some encouragement to the riders as they pass

Gorka Verdugo of Spain is the first man to move clear of the pack but he is soon caught

Christophe Moreau is another to attempt a breakaway but he too eventually falls back

Alexandre Vinokourov leads on the final climb of the day with all the main contenders more than six minutes back

And Vinokourov's joy is clear as he crosses the line to seal his second Tour de France stage win in three days

Rasmussen retains the overall leader's yellow jersey and is two minutes 23 seconds ahead of Alberto Contador