Frank Schleck of Luxembourg powered to the victory of the 15th stage from Gap to L'Alpe-d'Huez at the Tour de France cycling event on Tuesday.

American Floyd Landis reclaimed the yellow shirt after the uphill finish on the L'Alpe d'Huez.

Team CSC's Schleck got away from Damian Cunego of Italy in the last two kilometers to win in four hours 52 minutes 22 seconds. The Lampre rider was 11 seconds behind in second. Stefano Garzelli was third, 1:10 back.

Phonak team leader Landis finished fourth to record a total time of 69:00:05" and advanced 10 seconds ahead of former overall leader Spain's Oscar Pereiro.

The 15th stage was the first of three straight days of grueling Alpine treks.

The 187-kilometer trek began in Gap and led riders up the Col d'Izoard and the Col du Lautaret climbs, before the uphill finish on L'Alpe d'Huez.

(Xinhua News Agency July 19, 2006)