The Tour de France general classification was decided today by the race against the clock. Andy Schleck will stand on the second stop on the podium in Paris one step above brother Fränk in third.

The younger Schleck claimed the maillot jaune yesterday after courageous rides in the high Alpine mountains thrust him into the race lead. He began the penultimate stage of the 2011 Tour de France with a 53 second advantage over Fränk and an additional four seconds on Cadel Evans (BMC). Andy knew maintaining his lead over the time trial specialist would be a big ask but had high hopes that that the yellow jersey would give him wings.

“I was really focused on this time trial,” said Andy. “I realized the full importance of it. We did the reconnaissance this morning and remained committed to leaving everything out on the course.”

Evans put in the best time trial of his career to finish second behind stage winner Tony Martin (HTC-Highroad), and neither of the Schlecks were able to compete with this performance. By the first time check, it became clear that Evans was on track to move to the top of the general classification. By the second time check, he was in virtual yellow. At the finish, Evans posted a time that bested Andy by 2:30 and Fränk by 2:32 to emerge the race leader.

“Cadel did the time trial of his life, and he deserves to win the Tour,” noted Andy. “We know we did everything we could do in the mountains and today. Both Fränk and I probably did the best time trials we have ever done, but it wasn’t good enough. We don’t have any regrets in this perspective.”

Tradition dictates that the final stage of the Tour de France, a romp to Paris, take on a ceremonious atmosphere. While sprinters will battle for a final stage win on the Champs-Elysées, the yellow jersey is considered safe from attacks. Given this tradition, Evans’ impressive performance in the individual time time trial has earned him the 2011 Tour de France victory, the first such victory for an Australian, while the brothers Schleck will stand on the podium in second and third.

“It’s disappointing in a way, but if you look at the size and importance of the Tour, it’s a real honor to be second especially when your brother is one step down,” Andy said. “We would have hoped to have one Schleck on top of the podium, but we’re proud of each other and proud of ourselves.”

“Andy and I have been talking about this for years now,” added Fränk. “We’ve never been this close. We made the plan before we came to France that we would leave France three weeks later without any regret. We have accomplished that. We knew from the start that there was more than just Alberto Contador as a rival. We knew Evans would prove to be a true competitor and a tough guy to beat.”

Leopard Trek made no secret of its ambitions to win the Tour de France. Each rider on the team showed incredible dedication and true commitment to the task at hand. Andy and Fränk repaid their teammates’ show of faith by racing with grit and determination. While the team may not have achieved its top objective in Operation Yellow, no team has ever managed to place two riders on the podium in its inaugural season. LEOPARD TREK strived for the top step and fell short but remain deeply proud of what its riders accomplished.

“The second and third place is even more worthy of celebration because we did it from a complete new team,” said Fränk. “We’re proud of what we realized with this team and this staff. If I had to summarize this whole experience with one word, it would be ‘proud.’ We’re proud and happy.”