French on top in Dauphine Libere race

Hometown rider Samuel Dumoulin won the 187km second stage of the Dauphine Libere race yesterday.

Dumoulin, of the Ag2R Prevoyance team, also took the overall leader’s jersey from American George Hincapie.

He outsprinted compatriots Anthony Charteau and Frederic Finot and fell into the arms of his parents on the finish line.

Another Frenchman, Frederic Bessy, was fourth in the same time of four hours, 47 minutes and 16 seconds.

The leading favourites for overall victory took it relatively easy and saved their strength for today’s 46.5km individual time trial in Roanne.

Six times Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong finished in the main bunch with team-mate Hincapie, three minutes and 16 seconds behind the winner.

Armstrong will be closely watched during today’s third stage, his last major time trial before the Tour.