Alberto Contador withstood every attack by Andy Schleck on Mont Ventoux today, holding on to his 4’ 11” lead in the general classification, and will ride to Paris tomorrow in the yellow jersey, the virtual winner of the 2009 Tour de France.

Contador rode in defense of the maillot jaune in Stage 20, pairing off with the younger Schleck brother for much of the ascent. Accompanied by teammates Armstrong and Andreas Klöden, he battled up the slopes with a tenacious group of favorites. In the final kilometers, Contador and Armstrong remained close together, finishing fourth and fifth, allowing Armstrong to retain third position in the general classification. 

The race concludes tomorrow with the glorious annual processional on the Champs Élysées in Paris.