Steegmans claims second stage win ahead of Hushovd

Gert Steegmans celebrates after winning the second stage of the 66th edition of the Paris-Nice cycling race run between Nevers and Belleville. PHOTO: AFP

Belgian Gert Steegmans continued his winning form on Tuesday, claiming the second stage of the Paris-Nice cycling race ahead of race leader Thor Hushovd of Norway.

It is the second consecutive stage win for Quick Step rider Steegmans, who won a sprint finish ahead of Credit Agricole's Hushovd, France's Sylvain Chavanel and Swiss Michael Albasini.

"The aim was to win one stage. Today, it wasn't really planned but it feels good," Steegmans said.

"Compared to previous years I've more confidence. I've worked with a psychologist and now I feel less stressed. I was too nervous before. When my legs were good I always made mistakes," he said.

"We decided to control the race with Hushovd's team. We accelerated before the final climb because otherwise it would have been difficult to join the breakaway," Steegmans said.

The first peloton, controlled by Belgian Philippe Gilbert, crossed the line several meters behind, after the 201km run in the rain from Nevers to the Beaujolais region.

France's Thierry Hupond, from the Skil team, emerged as a potential hope as the 23-year-old led a long breakaway from the 30km mark, building up a lead of 15 minutes by 105km before being caught just before the summit of the final climb -- 19.5km from the line.

Luxembourg's Frank Schleck, one of the race favorites, lost three minutes after being caught in a pileup, one of two crashes to disrupt the peloton, some 60km from Belleville.

Hushovd has a three-second advantage over Steegmans in the overall standings going into the third stage.

"I'm happy to hold the yellow jersey but I'm disappointed to have missed the chance [to win the stage]," Hushovd said.