PINEROLO, Italy - Edvald Boasson Hagen of Norway took the 17th stage of the Tour de France Wednesday, the first of three in the Alps. Thomas Voeckler held on to the yellow jersey, but lost time after riding off the course on the final descent.

In the race for the overall victory, defending champion Alberto Contador made repeated attempts to get away from his rivals, but was caught on each occasion. He finished in the same time as Cadel Evans, the Schleck brothers and Samuel Sanchez. Voeckler lost 27 seconds and is now one minute 18 seconds ahead of Evans.

Boasson Hagen completed the 179 kilometres across the Alps from Gap to the Italian town of Pinerolo in four hours 18 minutes. Bauke Mollema of the Netherlands was second, 40 seconds back, with Sandy Casar of France winning the sprint for third.

Victoria's Ryder Hesjedal finished 44th and remained 28th in the overall standings.

It was the second victory for Sky rider Boasson Hagen and the fourth for Norway in this year's race.

It was also a form of revenge, after he was beaten into second by his compatriot Thor Hushovd, with a major assist from Hesjedal, on Tuesday.

"It was very difficult yesterday, and today I was able to do better," said Boasson Hagen. "I didn't want to lose this race today."

He praised the large contingent of Norwegian fans that has been supporting him and Hushovd throughout the race.

"It's really great to see all the Norwegian flags and Norwegian people around the course. It gives some extra power."

Second place went to Bauke Mollema of the Netherlands, after Frenchman Jonathan Hivert crashed on the perilous final descent of the Pramartino. Sandy Casar of France was third, while Hivert got back on his bike and came in ninth.

Voeckler veered off the course at one point during the last descent, but didn't crash.

"It's a pity, because I saw that Contador, Evans and the Schlecks finished together. If I'd taken fewer risks, I would have finished with them," he said.

Contador was not downhearted by his failure to get away.

"I felt good, and you've got to try," he said. He didn't want to talk about the stages to come.

Evans, who becomes more of a favourite for the title with every day he keeps his advantage of nearly two minutes over Contador -- Voeckler is expected to fade -- said it had been a difficult final descent.

"With shadows and stuff it was real hard to see. Voeckler ran off the road in front of me -- twice I think. It makes you take things more cautiously. You don't ever want to lose time to anyone," the Australian said. "I've got a good advantage over Alberto now, but Alberto has shown in years gone by what he can do when he's really at his top."