Landis hangs on to Paris-Nice lead

0 Comments | AFP, March, 2006

DIGNE-LES-BAINS, France (AFP) — American Floyd Landis took a tentative step towards winning his first Paris-Nice race Friday after surviving the tricky fifth stage won by Spanish climber Joaquim Rodriguez.

Rodriguez, who thus picks up his second career victory in the race, attacked on the final climb of the winding and undulating 201.5km race to come over the finish line triumphant and well ahead of his nearest pursuers.

Dutchman Joost Posthuma finished 19secs behind and barely 15secs ahead of a chasing bunch of 25 riders.

A thankful Rodriguez was quick to share the credit with his French teammate Nicolas Portal.

"It's a team victory as well - Nicolas Portal really worked hard for me on that last climb," said the Spaniard.

"It's my most...