Astana rider Alberto Contador of Spain kisses his leader's yellow jersey on the podium after the 15th stage of the 96th Tour de France cycling race between Pontarlier and Verbier, July 19, 2009. [Xinhua/Reuters]

Spaniard Alberto Contador grabbed both the Tour de France leader's yellow jersey and the 15th stage victory on Sunday.

The 2007 champion finished the 207.5-km ride from Pontarlier to Verbier in an impressing style to win by 43 seconds from Luxembourg's Andy Schleck.

Italian Vincenzo Nibali was third while Armstrong finished ninth and is now second overall.

Britain's Bradley Wiggins was third in the overall standings, nine seconds behind the American.

The riders paid their respect to a woman who died on Saturday after being hit by a motorcycle in the race, with a minute's silence before the start.

(Xinhua News Agency July 20, 2009)