( CNN ) -- Luxembourg 's Andy Schleck dramatically revived his Tour de France hopes with a stunning victory on an epic 18th stage which finished at the summit of the imposing Col du Galibier . At 2,645 meters , it was the highest-ever stage finish on the Tour , and Leopard Trek 's Schleck certainly hit the heights with a brave solo victory . He broke clear of a group of favorites on the Col d'lzoard with 60km remaining , reeling in the fragmented remains of a breakaway , before crossing the line alone over two minutes clear of his chasers . Schleck , written off after muted performances in the Pyrenees and the first stage in the Alps , said he had decided to take his courage in his hands . `` I do n't want to finish fourth in Paris , and I said to myself ' I 'm going to risk everything , it 'll work or it 'll fail ' , '' he told Eurosport . `` That 's the way I am , I 'm not afraid of losing . And if my legs were hurting out in front I knew the others would be hurting to catch me up . '' But he failed by 15 seconds to take the yellow off the shoulders of French hope Thomas Voeckler , who again performed heroics to take fifth on a stage which effectively marked the end of Alberto Contador 's chances of retaining his crown . The three-time winner from Spain struggled on the upper slopes of the Galibier and now trails Voeckler by four minutes 44 seconds in seventh place . To complete a superb day for the Schlecks , Andy 's brother Frank took second on the stage to move up to third overall , one minute eight seconds down . He gained precious time on Australia 's Cadel Evans , who slipped to fourth at one minute 12 seconds . Friday 's 19th stage , the third in the Alps , could well hold the key to the eventual winner with the finish on the famous Alpe d'Huez after another climb on the Galibier . Both the Schlecks will be looking to pick up further time on Evans , who is a stronger time trialist , ahead of Saturday 's individual test against the clock over 42.5km in Grenoble .
Andy Gilbert wins 18th stage of the Tour de France on Col du Nord . Schleck closes to within 15 seconds of race leader Thomas Voeckler of France . Andy 's brother takes second on the stage to improve to third overall . Defending champion Alberto Rodríguez loses time on the final climb .