Published February 5, 2009 11:37AM
Jimmy Casper made it two in a row for his Besson Chassures team at the Etoile de Bessèges.
The veteran French sprinter out-kicked younger rivals Romain Feillu (Agritubel) and Alexandre Blain (Cofidis) in the 149.2km second stage to win for the second day in a row and solidify his grip on the leader’s jersey in the five-day stage race.
With the win and time bonuses, Casper is nursing a 14-second lead to Feillu and Sébastian Chavanel (FDJeux) going into Friday’s third stage.
Etoile de Bessèges, Stage 2, Nimes to Saint-Ambroix, 149.2km
1. Jimmy Casper (FRA/Besson Chaussures), 149 km in 3:24:47 (43.656 Kph)
2 Romain Feillu (FRA) s.t.
3 Alexandre Blain (FRA) s.t.
4 Anthony Ravard (FRA) s.t.
5 Sébastien Hinault (FRA) s.t.
GC after two stages:
1. Jimmy Casper (FRA/Besson Chaussures) 277km in 6:16:48.
2. Romain Feillu (FRA) at 14
3. Sébastien Chavanel (FRA) at 14.
4. Alexandre Blain (FRA) at 16.
5. Greg Van Avermaet (BEL) at 17.