Anthony Charteau wins Route du Sud stage

Anthony Charteau (Europcar) proved he was back in top fighting condition in time for the Tour de France with victory in Friday’s second stage at the Route du Sud in France.

Charteau, winner of the King of the Mountain jersey in last year’s Tour, fended off Vasili Kiryienka to claim the stage win. The stage from Saint-Gaudens to Cauterets included climbs over the Aspin and Tourmalet. With his second victory of the 2011 season, Charteau also moves into the overall leader’s jersey with two days of racing still on deck.

Leading a chase group across the line for third at 47 seconds back was David Rebellin, who quietly returned to competition last month with Miche-Guerciotti. Rebellin tested positive for CERA-EPO en route to winning the silver medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, charges that he continues to deny. Since his return at the Vuelta a Madrid, Rebellin has finished in the top 10 in six of 12 days of racing, including sixth overall in Madrid and fifth at the Azerbaijan Tour.

Charteau carries an eight-second lead to Kiryienka with Rebellin slotting into third at 55 seconds adrift.

Quick results
Stage 2

• 1. Anthony CHARTEAU, (FRA) Europcar, at 4:53:19
• 2. Vasili KIRYIENKA, (BLR) Movistar, at 5
• 3. Davide REBELLIN, (ITA) Miche-Silver Cross-Selle Italia, at 47
• 4. Sandy CASAR, (FRA) Fran-aise Des Jeux, at 47
• 5. Sébastien JOLY, (FRA) Saur-Sojasun, at 47

GC after stage 2

• 1. Anthony CHARTEAU, (France) Europcar, at 10:10:42
• 2. Vasili KIRYIENKA, (Belarus) Movistar, at 8
• 3. Davide REBELLIN, (Italy) Miche-Silver Cross-Selle Italia, at 55
• 4. Nicolas BAZIN, (France) Auber 93, at 59
• 5. Sébastien JOLY, (France) Saur-Sojasun, at 59

Complete results