Fedrigo wins in Briancon

Eurosport - Sat, 13 Jun 17:23:00 2009

A last-minute charge by breakaway specialist Pierrick Fedrigo earned the Frenchman a first stage victory in the Dauphine Libere.

CYCLING 2009 Dauphiné Libéré Pierrick Fedrigo - 0

The B-box Bouygues pro tore past Belgian Jurgen Van De Walle and Frenchman Stephane Goubert for victory in the uphill finish to stage six at the citadel of French frontier city Briancon.

A stage winner in the Tour de France in 2006 and the 2008 Tour of Catalunya, Fedrigo said he had not expected to rack up another success on the 106km trek through the Alps.

"De Walle attacked late on in the final ascent and for a moment I thought I wouldn't be able to catch him," he said.

"That last climb up to Briancon's citadel is very tricky, with lots of changes of gradient. I calculated my strength just right to come past him at the finish.

"I've never won a stage before in the Dauphine, but now I can tick that one off the list."

Spaniard Alejandro Valverde retained his overall lead despite a late attack by compatriot Alberto Contador.

"Alberto's attack made a tough day in the mountains a little tougher," Valverde said.

"But at least I got through ok and I could respond to that move without any problems."

"Tomorrow is the most difficult stage of the entire Dauphine Libere, with three big climbs, and that's probably where the race will be decided."

Valverde holds a 16 second lead over Australian Cadel Evans, with Contador in third place, one minute and four seconds back.

The Dauphine Libere finishes on Sunday in Grenoble.

Dauphine Libere: Stage 7 highlights on British Eurosport (Sky 410/Virgin Media 521) at 5pm on Saturday; Also available on your PC via the Eurosport Player - click on the link under the picture to subscribe

Reuters

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  1. well actually the organisers of the tour de france­ would let valverde ride. The problem is that valverde­ has been banned from riding on italian soil for 2 years­ and the tour de france will have a stage in­ italy...that is why he cannot ride.

    From alexmn85, on Sat 13 Jun 3:31PM

  2. Come on let Valverde ride the Tour!
    I read now that­ they are gonna let Boonen ride after ahem, allegedly­ taking Cocaine, a class a in Britain!
    |What a bunch of­ Hypocrites!!

    From adam371, on Sat 13 Jun 2:02PM

  3. I think Evans is trying to set the record for closest­ second. 16 seconds, he's aiming for Fingon LeMond­ territory for July I reckon. 7 seconds for second­ place, any takers on that bet?

    From Michael M, on Sat 13 Jun 12:26AM
  4. Comment hidden due to its low rating. Show

    he is gay

    From ROLAND, on Fri 12 Jun 7:26PM
  5. Comment hidden due to its low rating. Show

    And the French strike again! (Um... I mean win not,­ well, a real strike.)

    From vindetable, on Fri 12 Jun 4:32PM
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