Rejuvenated Mayo wins Dauphine stage six

0 Comments | AFP, June, 2006

LA TOUSSUIRE, France (AFP) — Spaniard Iban Mayo welcomed his return to form after breaking solo on the final climb to claim the sixth stage of the Dauphine Libere cycling race.

But American Levi Leipheimer of Gerolsteiner, who finished fourth just over a minute and a half behind, retained his leader's jersey over the 169km leg from Briancon to La Toussuire.

Euskaltel's Mayo made up for the disappointment of finishing second on Friday's stage by notching up his first victory for two years.

"Finally I have emerged from the dark tunnel. That's two years I have not won because of injuries to my knee and back," said Mayo.

"At times I wondered if I could reach my old level again. But thanks to my sacrifices and pride I have returned."

It was the...