VERBIER, Switzerland — When Alberto Contador launched his bold attack, it was reminiscent of Lance Armstrong's golden years.

The fast pedaling was the same, the determination was the same — but it was a different rider on the saddle: his teammate Alberto Contador, already one of the sport's greatest at the age of 26.

The Spaniard crushed all other Tour contenders on Sunday's first Alpine stage from Pontarlier, France, to the Swiss ski resort of Verbier, claiming the leader's yellow jersey he wanted more than anything else.

As he already did last week in the Pyrenees, the 2007 Tour winner showed he has no rival in the mountains — and took a serious step toward a second victory in cycling's showcase.