Contador holds off Valverde challenge
Amael Moinard of France won the 119-kilometre (73.8 mile) stage around Nice in a sprint finish, finishing less a wheel's length ahead of Frenchman Thomas Voeckler after overtaking him at the line.
Contador was close behind in a small chasing group, which included Valverde, and raised his hands in the air in delight as he crossed the line. Valverde was second overall, 11 seconds behind Contador.
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Hide Ad"It's very hard to win Paris-Nice, even more so when you are the most watched rider in the race," said Contador. "I absolutely wanted to win. I feel liberated because today's stage was very tense and very nervy."