Evans reinforces bid as Contador slips once again

Australian stays on pace but German holds on to race lead

LUZ ARDIDEN, France - For the past two weeks Cadel Evans' yellow jersey rivals have been warning the Australian was back to his best and would be a real Tour de France threat this year.

On Thursday, BMC's team leader confirmed those predictions when he answered every offensive from the Schleck brothers, Andy and Frank, as they tried to shake off Alberto Contador on the first day in the high mountains.