Tour de France: The brutal 17th stage is in the mountains and takes in the famous L'Alpe d'Huez

And the riders know they will get no help from the weather as the pack rides off in brilliant sunshine on Wednesday

Yellow jersey holder Frank Schleck held a narrow lead over his rivals, including CSC team-mate Carlos Sastre

As the riders hit the mountains, the physical toll begins to tell on Russian Denis Menchov

Carlos Sastre crosses at the end of the monstrous 210.5km 17th stage of the Tour de France to seal a fine stage win

There is more delight for the Spaniard as the win means he takes the yellow jersey - but his lead is slender