Revenge for Cipollini in Wasquehal sprint

ITALIAN sprint specialist Mario Cipollini won the 247.51 kilometres second stage of the Tour de France from Den Bosch in Holland to Wasquehal in France yesterday - gaining quick revenge for his disqualification on Sunday.

Switzerland's Alex Zulle retained, the overall leader's yellow jersey but only by a second from Frederic Moncassin of France.

Cipollini was delighted with his victory, his fourth career stage victory in the Tour. "That's life but I was disappointed with the disqualification yesterday and this is sweet revenge," said the 29 year old Italian champion.

Winner of four stages in the Tour of Italy, Cipollini won in a terrific sprint finish, beating Dutchman Jeroen Blijlevens, runner up on Sunday to Moncassin. Cipollini was third then but was disqualified and placed last of the leading group of 37 for blocking Moncassin's path.

Jan Svorada of the Czech Republic was third with Moncassin fourth and the Frenchman was the big loser. He twice failed to seize vital bonus times in the sprints to take over the leader's yellow jersey. He took a six second bonus sprint to get within three seconds of Zulle, but could only finish third in the final one to pick up two seconds.

With bonuses then for only the first three across the line Moncassin, missed out: "I made a mistake and I paid for it, but I am confident I can claim the jersey on Tuesday.

The early part of the race was dominated by a four man breakaway including the Belgian champion Johan Museeuw and Australian Neil Stephens. They built up a lead of over six minutes until Stephens was instructed by his manager Manuel Saiz to stop helping as Museeuw was endangering the overall lead of team mate Zulle.

Dutchman Danny Nelissen, the reigning amateur road race world champion, who had been involved in a lone break on Sunday, launched another solo escape after the only climb of the day, the fourth category Mont d'Enclus.

Nelissen, who had to retire from the professional ranks because of heart problems, dispelled any doubts about his health. He was joined by two Italians Fabio Roscioli and Rosano Brasi. Nelissen and Roscioli were unable to stay with Brasi and with 25km to go he was out on his own, at one point holding a 51 second lead, which would have seen him take the yellow jersey.

However, the peloton, led by Cipollini's Saeco team, whittled down his lead and he was caught within sight of his second professional win.

Russian Viacheslav Ekimov, the 10 times world record holder at pursuit, then raced away only to be overhauled by the charging sprinters.

The stage was littered with abandonments, including Spanish climber Laudelino Cubino, riding in his eighth and final Tour.