Vila sprints to maiden win in Paris-Nice third stage

0 Comments | AFP, March, 2006

ST. ETIENNE, France (AFP) — Spaniard Patxi Vila of the Lampre team claimed his first professional victory in the third stage of the Paris-Nice cycling race ahead of US rider Floyd Landis of Phonak.

Landis takes the overall race leader's yellow jersey.

Both Vila and Landis broke away at the Croix de Chaubouret, the final difficult climb some 20km from the line.

The duo sprinted for the line with Spaniard Samuel Sanchez coming in third with a group 1min 16sec behind the leaders.

For Vila, victory was justification for his decision to delay his decision to enter the professional cycling ranks.

"I was late turning professional in 2001 because I didn't want to sacrifice my studies," said the Spaniard.

"I am not thinking about what I am...