David Moncoutié is not considered a time trialer, but the uphill terrain was to his liking in stage 2B of the Route du Sud. Moncoutié won the 16km race in 33'07, ten seconds ahead of Alexandre Geniez and 31 seconds ahead of Fortunato Baliani. Previous leader Blel Kadri lost 1'23 and the overall lead.
Cofidis could live with the change in the overall classification, as both Kadri and Moncoutié ride for the French team. The stage was held in Peyragudes (Hautes-Pyrénées). The first part of the course was flat, then the riders had to climb the col du Peyresourde - the same mountain the Tour de France riders will ascent in the 16t stage of the Tour de France.
Moncoutié, who won the mountains jersey in the Vuelta a España on two occasions, feels well when the route gets vertical. The Lyon-resident was simply unbeatable in today's stage in the Pyrenees.
The Italian Miche-Silver Cross-Selle Italia also had a great race. In addition to Baliani's third place, the team also occupied fourth (Przemyslaw Niemiec) and fifth (Pasquale Muto) place. AG2R's climber John Gadret was sixth, the first rider to be more than a minute from Gadret.
The Route du Sud concludes tomorrow with the stage from Lavaur to Castres, over 189km. A category one, tow and three climb, respectively, await the riders on that final stage.
Stage results
1 Moncoutié David Cof 33'07''334m
2 Geniez Alexandre Sks 33'17''560m
3 Baliani Fortunato Mie 33'38''681m
4 Niemiec Przemyslaw Mie 33'46''783m
5 Muto Pasquale Mie 33'48''696m
6 Gadret John Alm 34'10''503m
7 Monier Damien Cof 34'30''498m
8 Kadri Blel Alm 34'30''830m
9 Taaramae Rein Cof 34'45''045m
10 Tschopp Johann Btl 34'47''036m
Overall results after stage 2B
1. David Moncoutié (Cofidis)