Andy Schleck took possession of the Tour de France yellow jersey in dramatic fashion after an epic day of racing that ended Cadel Evans's victory hopes.

Cadel and Lance on the start line, comparing injuries perhaps?

Luxemburger Schleck, the Saxo Bank climbing specialist who finished runner-up to Alberto Contador in 2009, now leads what appears to be a two-man race with a 41sec lead on the Spaniard.

Frenchman Sandy Casar took the stage honours after a thrilling 204km ninth stage from Morzine which included the gruelling 25.5km ascension over the Col de la Madeleine, the fourth and last climb of the race.

The peloton passes through a tunnel (obviously. . .)

Casar was one of the last remnants of a larger breakaway group which was joined in the final kilometre by a trio which included Schleck and reigning champion Alberto Contador. Casar had done most of the work dragging his three companions to the line in the final kilometres, but shortly after they were caught he pulled to the front inside the final kilometre and held on to claim his third career stage win on the race.

Sandy Casar wins on Stage 9 after a perfect run to the finish line

 Having come second twice during stages of the race - notably in 2007 and in 2009 - Casar made a determined effort not to lose out again

"Second place is horrible. I've finished second twice and today I just didn't want to do it again. The only thing on my mind was victory."

With Lance Armstrong already out of the equation, and Evans' collapse, Contador said he now had a clearer idea of who his main rival is.

"I know what my aim is now, and which wheel I have to follow - Andy Schleck's. I think he's the most dangerous," said the Spaniard, who up until now has been largely unchallenged on the race's tough climbs.

"It was a really epic stage, and the very hard climb to the Madeleine left a lot of people struggling."

Evans struggles on the climb while riding through a party of fans

Overnight race leader Evans started trailing halfway through the climb of the Madeleine and shortly afterwards Contador and Schleck made the Australian's task even more difficult when they attacked all the other favourites.

Victory at last for Casar after 2 previoue second places at the Tour

Schleck proved the more aggressive, the Luxemburger accelerating several times in a bid to shake Contador off his wheel.

When that tactic failed, the pair agreed on a pact of non-aggression and raced the remainder of the climb together. (Don't you hate that?)

Schleck and Contador came over the summit with a 2:10 deficit to the leading group, while Evans crossed over seven minutes later.

An emotional Evans at the finishing line - broken elbow and all

Evans eventually finished 8:09 behind Schleck and Contador, dropping 17 places to 18th at 7:47. At the finish line tears flowed down Evan's checks as he realised his dreams of a Tour victory were over.

"I'm not at my normal level, but when you're in the yellow jersey at the Tour whether you're good or not you have to be there," said Evans.

Pineau takes the KOM jersey

"I haven't seen the results yet but I'm pretty sure it's over for this year."

Evans management later revealed that he rode with a fractured elbow, causing him severe pain throughout the stage and unable to accelerate out of the saddle.

Stage 10 14 Jul 2010 Chambéry - Gap 179 km

Next Stage is a bit hilly with 2 short steep climbs with a descending finish. This is a true breakaway stage with the roads around Gap being very tight.

Our Tip: Tomorrow is the French National Day, Bastille Day, so we tip Frenchman and breakaway specialist Thomas Volcker.

You can choose how to get in touch with cyclingnewsasia? Contact us below:

• Facebook
• Twitter
• Contact us directly