HOUSE TAKES MOUNTAINS LEAD IN FRANCE

Rapha-Condor-Recycling's Kristian House holds the lead in the king of the mountains competition at the Tour du Loir et Cher in France.

House (pictured) was first to the top of the final climb on Wednesday's opening stage from Blois to Chailles. When added to the points he took for second place on the second of the three climbs it gave him the lead in the competition.

At the finish of the 145-kilometre leg, Dean Downing was fourth in the same time as winner Jos Pronk of the Krolstone Continental Team.

Of Rapha's other riders, House was 20th on the stage, Graham Briggs was 26th, Simon Holt was 32nd and Rob Partridge was 45th all in the same time as the winner. Matthew Rowe was 1-01 back in 105th place.

Tour du Loir et Cher ? remaining stages

Thursday, April 17 Stage 2: Mer ? Nouan-le-Fuzelier, 200km

Friday, April 18 Stage 3: Chateau Renault ? Vendome, 175km

Saturday, April 19 Stage 4: Villebarou ? Billy, 192km

Sunday, April 20 Stage 5: Blois ? Blois, 97km

NEXT STAGE

Tour du Loir-et-Cher stage two