Wegmann breaks sprinters

The opening stage of the Dauphiné looked headed for a bunch sprint when the peloton caught the lone leader on the Côte du Rapoux climb.

Wegmann, Voeckler (Bouygues Telecom), Egoi Martinez (Discovery), and Francisco Mancebo (AG2R) used the junction as a break-away opportunity, as Voeckler led the group over the top of the Rapoux to claim the mountain points.

Though CSC and Credit Agricole had pushed the peloton all day to catch lone break-away rider Nicolas Inaudi (Cofidis) for their sprinters Stuart O'Grady and Thor Hushovd, the two teams gave way after the four-man break and no clear leader emerged to reign in the eventual victors.

The four men then did a good job of holding off the peloton in the final ten kilometres, though the four-man sprint slowed to a crawl in the final 500-metres before Voeckler launched it.

Germany's Wegmann, the best climber in the 2004 Giro D'Italia, was the best man in the sprint, however, edging out Voeckler by a hair to claim the overall lead from prologue victor David Zabriskie.

"I am quite surprised we managed to keep the sprinters at bay," said Wegmann.

"It was a tough stage to do so but the four of us collaborated well.

"I haven't raced for five weeks, so this is a good sign for the Tour de France."

Despite his strong form, Wegmann said he did not expect to win the Dauphine Libere, which finishes on Sunday in Grenoble.

"Tackling the really high mountains is always difficult for me. I'll be happy to work for my race leader Levi Leipheimer."

Martinez finished third, and Mancebo fourth as the peloton came in 12 seconds behind the four leaders.