Today's 199.5 kilometer long 16th stage of Tour de France from Bagnères-de-Luchon to Pau developed into a theatrical experience. With two legendary climbs, Col de Tourmalet and Col d'Aubisque on the menu, the peloton was nervous and because of that, the field instantly broke in several groups on the first two climbs, Col de Peyresourde og Col d´Aspin and was spread all over the Pyrenees. However, the big drama did not materialize and the stage was won by Pierrick Fedrigo (Bbox).

Experienced riders like Lance Armstrong (Radioshack) and Christophe Moreau (Caisse d'Epargne) seized the opportunity to make one last performance on the big scene and launched away to form a front group consisting of nine riders. Chasing the front group, Team Saxo Bank's Jakob Fuglsang and Andy were in the group of favorites who agreed to keep ceasefire.

In the front, Carlos Barredo (Quick Step) took off on the descent but the remaining riders in front group managed to team up and slowly and inexorably, they wheeled in the depleted escapee on the final kilometer. As they reached the finish line, Pierrick Fedrigo (Bbox) suddenly opened a long sprint and he denied anyone to pass him and took another French stage victory.

Andy is still second overall.

”Today, it was all about taking care of my self and stay with the leader's jersey. If the front group had been closer I would have tried to reach them but the gap was too big. Now, I'm really looking forward to climbing Tourmalet on Thursday. I hope and think I can still win the Tour,” said Andy Schleck after the stage.