Two more stages in the week-long Paris-Nice bike race until Floyd Landis can claim his second overall pro cycling victory this year.
The US leader of the Swiss Phonak team retained his 9-second lead in Friday's 124-mile stage from Avignon to Digne les Bains.
Danger loomed when his tiring Phonak teammates abandoned Landis on the day's final climb on the Col du Corobin. Landis, known for his climbing strength, easily stayed behind Lampre's second-place cyclist Patxi Vila Errandonea and finished in the pack.
Spaniard Joaquim Rodriguez of Caisse d'Epargne won the stage after attacking on the final climb and building a 19 second lead at the finish line.
Saturday's 111-mile bicycle race to Cannes features 8 climbs, including the Category 1 Col de Bourigaille. The Phonak team will have to protect its leader if Landis is to follow his Tour of California win with another one in France.
Phonak team manager John Lelangue praised Landis in an interview in Eurosport.com on Friday.
“The departure of (Lance) Armstrong leaves the door open to the highest ambitions. I believe Floyd is capable to bring home the Tour. He learned a lot side-by-side with Armstrong and (Johan) Bruyneel.
“When he came here to us, he came as (Tyler) Hamilton's lieutenant, but now, he's a real leader. … He takes care of the entire team, not just himself.”
More on the race is available at Paris-Nice website or CyclingNews.
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