Schleck, Contador fight it out on Tour queen stage

The 172 remaining riders have set out on the Tour de France's biggest stage, a make-or-break day for Andy Schleck if he wants to overcome defending champion Alberto Contador.

The riders have left Pau on the 174-kilometer (108.1-mile) 17th stage that ends with one of the most wrenching ascents in pro cycling - the climb of the Col du Tourmalet.

Schleck needs to make up the eight seconds by which he trails Contador and then add on a lead big enough to get him through Saturday's time-trial - Contador's specialty.

The Tour finishes in Paris on Sunday.