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Romandie specialist Albasini wins 2nd stage to lead overall

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SAINT-IMIER, Switzerland (AP) Tour of Romandie specialist Michael Albasini of Switzerland won the second stage Wednesday in a sprint finish to take the overall lead.

Albasini, who won all three sprint stages of the six-day race last year, edged Jarlinson Pantano of Colombia and third-placed Frenchman Julian Alaphilippe at the end of the 168.1kilometer (104.5-mile) route from Apples to Saint-Imier.

Albasini got a 10-second bonus for winning in 4 hours, 21 minutes, 43 seconds, and leads by the same margin from his Orica Greenedge teammate Ivan Santaromita of Italy.

Two-time defending champion Chris Froome of Britain is third, also trailing by 10 seconds.

Froome's Sky teammate Geraint Thomas lost the overall lead by finishing four minutes back after puncturing a tire.

Thursday's stage is a 172.5-kilometer (107.2-mile) ride from Moutier to Porrentruy.