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Lieuwe Westra takes fifth stage of Paris-Nice cycling race

MENDE, France (AP) -- Lieuwe Westra attacked late in the final climb of the day to win the fifth stage of the Paris-Nice race on Thursday, while Bradley Wiggins extended his overall lead to 10 seconds over his main rival Levi Leipheimer.

Wiggins was well positioned at the front of the pack when Frenchman Arnold Jeannesson launched an attack with 700 meters to go. Even though Jeannesson is not a threat for overall victory, Wiggins still chased and isolated himself.

Westra took advantage by surging ahead in the last 300 meters, and Wiggins could not follow him. Westra casually looked over his shoulder as he crossed the line.

Westra moved into second place, 6 seconds behind Wiggins, but is also not a major threat to the leader.