Belgian Gert Steegmans won the second stage of the Paris-Nice cycling race ahead of Norway's Thor Hushovd.

   BELLEVILLE, France, March 12, 2008 - Belgian Gert Steegmans won the
second stage of the Paris-Nice cycling race here on Tuesday ahead of Norway's
Thor Hushovd who holds the leader's yellow jersey.
   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 first peloton, controlled by Belgian Philippe Gilbert, crossed the line
several metres behind, after the 201km run under the rain from Nevers.
   France's Thierry Hupond from the Dutch Skil team, lead a long breakaway
from the 30km mark, building up a lead of 15 minutes by 105km before being
joined just before the summit of the final climb 19.5km from the line.
   Luxembourg's Frank Schleck, one of the race favourties, lost three minutes
after being caught up in pileup some 60km from Belleville.
   Hushovd has a three-second advantage on Steegmans in the overall standings going into the third stage, over 165.5km from Fleurie to Saint-Etienne.

AFP