Contador climbs through the rankings to take Paris-Nice lead

AS sure as the sun will rise, Alberto Contador will dominate high-altitude cycling, and the Spaniard did not disappoint in stage six of the Paris-Nice road race.

Contador eased his way to victory for his second stage win, after victory in the opening time trial, and now looks odds on to claim the overall title for the second time in three years.

The 2007 Tour de France winner, who suffered a high-speed crash in stage two, was lurking ominously behind leader Sylvain Chavanel of France.

Contador, who also claimed victory in the Tour of Spain and Tour of Italy last year, was in untouchable form as he finished ahead of Luxembourg's Frank Schlek at an altitude of 1,600 metres.

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After a first attack by German Jens Voigt, Contador managed to break free with seven kilometres remaining and keep up his pace for his second stage win after his time-trial victory on the first day.

In the overall standings, Contador now stands 1.13 minutes ahead of compatriot Luis Leon Sanchez, with Chavanel a further 11 seconds adrift.