Omega Pharma - Quick-Step Cycling Team rider Levi Leipheimer battled his way into an escape group of almost 20 riders in the 143.5km Stage 17 of the Tour de France. However, just as he was working his way in a small chase group to lone leader Rui Costa (Movistar) on HC Port de Bales, Alejandro Valverde, Costa's teammate, attacked, bridged to his teammate, and then went solo himself.
Valverde soloed to victory by 18" over 2nd place finisher Chris Froome (Sky ProCycling) and 3rd place finisher/yellow jersey holder Bradley Wiggins (Sky ProCycling), while Leipheimer and the rest of the chasers were absorbed and soon dropped by a steadily shrinking peloton. Ivan Basso (Liquigas-Cannondale) set such a high tempo that riders were splintering off the back with every passing kilometer.
The team will look next to 222.5km Stage 18 — a generally flat stage with some climbs that could prevent a true sprint finish.