Dane Michael Rasmussen won the 16th stage of the Tour de France over 182 km from Bourg d'Oisans to La Toussuire.
The Rabobank rider, who took the polka-dot jersey on his way to victory, finished one minute 41 seconds ahead of Spaniard Carlos Sastre.
Spaniard Oscar Pereiro was third, 1:54 off the pace, and reclaimed the overall leader's yellow jersey from American Floyd Landis, who ran out of steam 13 km from the finish when Sastre shot off from the group like a bullet.
A group including leading contenders Andreas Kloeden of Germany, Russian Denis Menchov and Australian Cadel Evans also broke clear, leaving Landis alone with his pain on the ascent to La Toussuire.
Tomorrow's 17th stage over 200.5 km from St Jean de Maurienne to Morzine will be the last test for the favourites before Saturday's time trial.
