(CNN) -- Alberto Contador will take a 39-second lead into the final stage of the Tour de France after fighting off a determined challenge from Andy Schleck in Saturday's deciding time trial stage.
Spain's Contador had an eight-second advantage going into the 52km solo test from Bordeaux to Pauillac and came under pressure from his Luxembourg rival at the early time checks.
For some fleeting moments it seemed possible that Schleck could reclaim the yellow jersey, but as he tired, Contador, considered a far superior time triallist, increased his advantage.
And at the finish, a relieved and tearful Contador had extended his lead by 31 seconds.
"It was a very hard day. I've worked so hard for so many years but today it really came right down to the wire. That's why I'm so emotional," Contador told the official race website.
"In fact, I think it's the first Tour I've won where I've been so emotional.
"I want to thank all the people who have been there for me these last years".
Both the top two were well adrift of the best time of Schleck's Saxo Bank teammate Fabian Cancellara.
CNN
