The Tour de France is heading into the final stretch, and Lance Armstrong is still within striking distance of the win — but he’ll have to really dig deep to surpass Astana teammate Alberto Contador, who is looking incredibly strong this year, rocketing away from the pack on difficult climbs: Lance Armstrong drops to fourth as Alberto Contador moves closer to Tour de France title.

LE GRAND BORNAND, France — Alberto Contador tightened his grip on the Tour de France when he survived attacks by the Schleck brothers in the 105.3-mile 17th Stage on Wednesday.

The Spaniard was the only rider strong enough to stay with Luxembourg’s Frank and Andy Schleck in the last two of five climbs and the three finished together, Frank winning the stage ahead of the Tour leader and his younger sibling.

If the brothers’ repeated strikes could not wear down the 2007 Tour champion, the did hurt Lance Armstrong and Briton Bradley Wiggins, who lost touch in the hardest climb of the day, the Col de Romme.

Armstrong finished 2 minutes, 18 seconds adrift, which was not enough for him to keep his place on the podium.

Contador now leads Andy Schleck by 2:26 with Frank Schleck third, 3:25 behind.

Seven-time Tour champion Armstrong slipped to fourth, 3:55 behind. Wiggins, who was third at the start, sixth, 4:53 adrift.

ESPN has a cool Flash-based Tour de France Tracker with lots of info on the race.