Tour de France: the best pictures of stage 16

Alberto Contador - who ought to be on the naughty step after cheekily overtaking Andy Schleck yesterday when his rival's chain fell off - is the overall leader going into today's 16th stage. Two huge climbs await the riders: the 2,115m Col du Tourmalet and the 1,709m Col d'Aubisque. Back-breaking stuff ... Photograph: Christophe Ena/AP

Lance Armstrong will be hoping for a stage victory as the leading riders are likely to take a conservative approach to proceedings. The seven-time Tour winner hasn't topped a podium since 2005 and, given his impending retirement, this could well be his last chance Photograph: Bas Czerwinski/AP

It's pretty hot out there, but that's no excuse for this customised umbrella hat Photograph: Joel Saget/AFP/Getty Images

The race gets underway ... only 199.5km of punishing terrain to go Photograph: Jacky Naegelen/Reuters

The first significant challenge of the day is the Col de Peyresoudre pass Photograph: Joel Saget/AFP/Getty Images

Contador managed that one easily enough and speeds down the other side Photograph: Christophe Ena/AP

Italy's Paolo Tiralongo gulps down some water Photograph: Lionel Bonaventure/AFP/Getty Images

Next up, the Aspin pass with it's stunning views of the Pyrenees Photograph: Bas Czerwinski/AP

A view from above shows the riders in full flow Photograph: Spencer Platt/Getty Images

Today's stage is almost identical to that won by as Eddy Merckx back in 1969. He was victorious after a 180km breakaway and went on to win the first of his five Tours Photograph: Christophe Ena/AP

Schleck, wearing the Best Young Rider's jersey, looks pretty pleased about something. It's meant to be torture, not fun! Photograph: Lionel Bonaventure/AFP/Getty Images

Armstrong and Bradley Wiggins were among the early leaders in the day's first breakaway, but by the time the pack begin their ascent of the Col du Tourmalet Wiggins, who finished fourth overall last year, had dropped back to the pelaton Photograph: Bas Czerwinski/AP

Armstrong leads the way up the big one Photograph: Bas Czerwinski/AP

Contador, meanwhile, hangs back with the likes of Schleck and and Samuel Sanchez (pictured left). These are the top three riders in the Tour this year with just two minutes separating them. Little wonder, then, that they're playing it safe this afternoon Photograph: Bas Czerwinski/AP

A breakaway attempt by Carlos Barredo proves futile as Armstrong and co catch him with 2km remaining. Now Armstrong looks like the man to beat ... Photograph: Lionel Bonaventure/AFP/Getty Images

And that's exactly what happens as France's Pierrick Fedrigo overtakes the legendary American in a sprint finish. Armstrong eventually eases up to finish sixth, allowing his compatriot Sandy Casar to claim second and Spain's Ruben Plaza third. Contador, Schleck and Sanchez cross the line together (some 6mins 45secs behind) meaning the overall standings of the top three remain unchanged Photograph: Pascal Pavani/AFP/Getty Images