GALIBIER SERRE-CHEVALIER, France — Andy Schleck of Luxembourg pedaled to a solo victory in the highest stage in race history while surprising Frenchman Thomas Voeckler kept the race lead for the 10th day Thursday at the Tour de France.

Schleck (Leopard-Trek) claimed the 124.5-mile trek from Pinerolo, Italy to Galibier Serre-Chevalier, France in 6 hours, 7 minutes and 56 seconds to move within 15 seconds of the race lead. Schleck, runner-up in the past two editions of the race, left a lead group with about 37 miles left and pedaled alone the rest of the way for more than a two-minute win.

The final 14 miles was the climb to the Galibier Serre-Chevalier, which race organizers featured with a new final section of road to commemorate the 100 years since the climb in Alps was first included in the race. It peaked at 8,678 feet and was the final of three beyond category climbs in the stage, a rarity for the Tour de France.

When Schleck, who began the day trailing Voeckler (Europcar) by 2:36 in fourth place, finished he didn’t know if he’d assumde the race lead. Voeckler, who took the lead with a second-place effort in stage 9, looked at the finish clock approaching the line. He punched his right arm into the air realizing he maintained the race advantage after finishing 2:21 behind.

The second consecutive day of negotiating the Col du Galibier and the last of three days in the Alps will be held Friday with the 68-mile 19th stage from Mondane Valfrejus to Alpe d’Huez.

It’s a short day by Tour de France standards, but the field will face two beyond category climbs, the most difficult. The Col du Galibier will be challenged form the reverse direction with the 10.3-mile hike with an average 6.8 gradient and ending about 30 miles into the stage.

The 19th stage will conclude with the ascent of the race’s most well-known mountain, the ski resort Alpe d’Huez. Its 8.5 miles of steep terrain features 21 switchbacks and is the last beyond category climb of the race.

The 20th stage Saturday will be an individual time trial in Grenoble, followed by the concluding stage — and the sprinters final chance for a win — Sunday to the cobblestoned streets of the Champs Elysees in Paris.

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