JAUSIERS, France — French rider Cyril Dessel has won the 16th stage of the Tour de France as the pack returned from Italy across two huge Alpine climbs.

Overall leader Frank Schleck of Luxembourg retained the yellow jersey after the 98-mile trek from Cuneo, Italy to Jausiers, France. He trailed more than a minute.

The stage Tuesday took riders along two long climbs — up the 13-mile Lombarde pass and the 16-mile La Bonette-Restefond pass.

The 17th stage Wednesday is the toughest of this year's 95th Tour edition, a 131-mile ride featuring three tough uphill passes.