Spaniard Alberto Contador cemented his status as Tour leader overnight with a upset win over Olympic Gold medallist Fabian Cancellara in the 40.5 km individual time trail through Annecy.

The yellow jersey holder pipped the Swiss rider Cancellara by three seconds in the final ride of the day, with Mikhail Ignatiev finishing third, 15 seconds behind.

Contador now holds a commanding overall lead of 4’11” to second placed Andy Schleck, and looks certain to collect his second Tour de France crown.

Cycling legend Lance Armstrong left nothing in the tank, finishing in 16th spot to leapfrog Frank Shcleck in the overall classifications and move into third position.

However, the Americans fairytale dream of making a podium finish in his return to cycling is not safe yet with Britains Bradley Wiggins only 11 seconds behind.

In other classifications Thor Hushovd maintained his lead in the sprinters group as did Franco Pellizotti in the battle for king of the mountain.

Tonight’s stage will see the group push 178 kilometres from Bourgoin-Jallieu to Aubenas in the third last day of competition.