Frigo grabs leader jersey

Italy's Dario Frigo produced an impressive solo ride to win the Paris-Nice individual time trial and take the race leader's yellow jersey from compatriot Davide Rebellin on Thursday.

Sprinters bemoan tough Paris-Nice finish

PARIS-NICE: Stage four action

Frigo, who won the race two years ago, clocked 19 minutes and seven seconds for the 16.5-kilometre route around Vergeze to win the fourth stage at an average speed of almost 52 kph.

Germany's Joerg Jaschke came in eight seconds behind Frigo for second place, while American Tyler Hamilton was third a further five seconds back.

Frigo, who is expected to be one of the strongest challengers to four-times winner Lance Armstrong in this year's Tour de France, now has a 14-second lead over Alexandre Vinokurov of Kazakhstan in the overall standings.

"I knew that the last eight kilometres of the time trail would be crucial," Frigo said. "I was a little bit late at the intermediate because I had a poor start. But I felt much better in the final section."

The Italian looked in a class of his own on the picturesque roads around Vergeze, the home of Perrier sparkling water, and now looks ideally placed for a second Paris-Nice triumph on Sunday.

"Sunday's stage scares me a little bit because we will have to climb the Col d'Eze pass three times," he said. "I must be wary of Vinokurov who never gives up. Last year he surprised me but I'll keep watching him this time."

Rebellin -- winner of the second stage on Tuesday -- had a poor day, coming in a minute behind Frigo to slip to fifth in the overall standings.

Wednesday's third stage was called off by the riders as a mark of respect to Kazakh rider Andrei Kivilev, who died in a crash 40 kilometres from St Etienne on Tuesday.