Number 1 for McEwen

Australia's Robbie McEwen (Silence Lotto) took his first win of the season after outsprinting Daniele Bennati (Liquigas) on the second stage of the Tour de Romandie in Fribourg. Danish one-day specialist Matti Breschel (CSC) took third after the 172.1 km race between Moutier and Fribourg.

"There was no one team that could control this sprint. It came down to choosing the right wheel," a happy McEwen told Sporza. "I waited a long time to accelerate, because I had cramps all the way to my ears. But I finally have the victory!"

McEwen has been uncharacteristically short of victories this season after a series of crashes and injuries prevented him from reaching his usual early season form.

"It's great to get my first win of the season. It's also good for the morale," said McEwen, whose last win goes back to September 2007 when he won the tough Paris-Brussels classic.

"I am relieved, as it has been a while since I have won anything. I have always remained calm and never panicked. I knew that good form was on its way. Now that I have the first one [victory], I am looking forward to the Giro."

Switzerland's Michael Albasini (Liquigas) remain the race leader going into Friday's 18.8km time trial which starts and finishes in Sion.

Kazakh champion Maxim Iglinsky (Astana), winner of Wednesday's second stage is second overall just one second down.