Columbia-HTC's Kim Anderson has taken the first lead of her career in the Route de France stage race.  Anderson succeeded teammate Ina-Yoko Teutenberg as overall leader of the six-day race after forming part of a 10-rider break that gained 28 minutes on the bunch.

The American rider then powered after stage winner Evelyn Stevens of the USA when Stevens attacked in the final 30 kilometres.  Having caught her rival with 2.5 kilometres to go, Stevens won the stage but Anderson has moved into the overall lead, with a minute and 19 seconds advantage.

"I'm really excited and pleased about how the day worked out," Anderson said afterwards.  "I chased down an attack and then there were 10 of us ahead, and for some reason the bunch just didn't chase behind.  Our lead grew really fast, about half of the break was working well, and then when Evelyn attacked I had to chase very hard to get her back.  I didn't get the stage win, but taking a race lead for the first time ever in my career is really important."

"We're really pleased for Kim, because she is a really loyal team worker and it's great that she's got her own opportunity now," team manager Ronny Lauke commented.  It's true that tomorrow is a tough stage, but we've got a strong team here and we'll do everything we can to keep it all under control.  "I will have to watch Evelyn very closely but I'm very confident in my teammates," Anderson added. "I'll do my best to make sure it all works out."