Overall leader Frank Schleck of Luxembourg proudly poses in the Tour de France's yellow jersey ahead of stage 16 on Tuesday

Thor Hushovd of Norway (right) chats to Schleck prior to the start of the 157km route, the highest stage of this year's Tour

Cadel Evans of Australia, who lies third overall, looks relaxed as he prepares to set off for Jausiers

Schleck joins leading climber Bernhard Kohl (polka-dot jersey) and Oscar Freire, the leading sprinter (green), as the riders leave Cuneo

A fan soaks up some welcome sunshine as the peloton make their way to the Col de la Lombarde, the first climb of the day

German rider Stefan Schumacher keeps his cool as he mounts a brave solo breakaway that takes him 12 minutes clear

There are some stunning views as the pack make their way to the 2,351m summit of Lombarde but the heat begins to tell

The riders also face a punishing 2,802m climb to the top of the Col de la Bonnette - the highest road pass in Europe

Schumacher sees his lead eaten away in the hot sun and he is cruelly passed just before the summit

Schleck hopes to win more time on Evans before Saturday's time trial but cannot shake him on the biggest climb of this year's Tour

French rider Cyril Dessel wins the stage when he leads home a breakaway pack of four riders at the bottom of a steep descent

Dessel enjoys the glory of the first stage win of his career, after one of the toughest days on Le Tour this year

Schleck retains his yellow jersey after crossing the line with Evans, who remains just seven seconds behind him overall

Schleck celebrates on the podium but his hopes of overall victory rest on Wednesday's stage that ends at the top of L'Alpe d'Huez