Armstrong insists he will be a solid teammate in the last phase
Armstrong insists he will be a solid teammate in the last phase
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Armstrong was left suffering early on the 8.8km climb to Verbier, on which Contador launched a decisive attack that has singled him out as Astana's best chance of winning the race.
The 37-year-old American said afterwards Contador had proved that he is the "strongest rider in the race".
And he indicated that it would now be difficult for him to aim for an eighth Tour crown.
"When Alberto went he showed he is the best rider, showed he is the best climber. You know when everyubody is on their limits and you can accelerate again, that's how you win the Tour. Hats off to him," said Armstrong.
"I think after today he demonstrated he is the strongest in the race. I thought I'd feel a little bit better, I didn't. There is no point messing around. I gave everything I had and I wasn't the best.
"There has been a lot of drama about Alberto and me, especially in the media, but at the end of the day we all sit around the table, around the teammates, and the last thing we can do is to lose the Tour.
"I'm gonna do my best and be a solid teammate."
The 15th stage provided the first real yellow jersey drama since the seventh stage ride to Arcalis in the Pyrenees, where Contador attacked Armstrong to steal back 19secs on the American.
Now with a 1:37 lead on Armstrong, who is second overall, Contador would be expected to have Astana's full commitment as he bids to win the race for the second time.
However the 26-year-old Spaniard, who has endured a difficult two weeks' co-habitation with the world's most famous bike rider, stopped short of making those demands.
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