Andrew Hampsten of U.S. Again Wins the Tour of Switzerland Bicycle Race

American Andrew Hampsten won the Tour of Switzerland bicycle race for the second straight year Thursday by maintaining a one-second lead over Dutchman Peter Winnen in the 10th and final stage.

Hampsten, of Boulder, Colo., was aided by American teammate Ron Kiefel in the early part of the stage when a sprint carrying a 10-second bonus was at stake.

West German Dietrich Thurau maneuvered Winnen into the No. 1 one position with 150 feet left, then swerved to the right to block off Hampsten’s Norwegian helper, Dag-Otto Lauritzen. But on the other side, Kiefel shot ahead, beating Winnen by inches.

The 175-mile stage was won by Swiss Urs Freuler in 3 hours 48 minutes 29 seconds.”

“I am all set for the Tour de France now,” Hampsten said, “I feel I can do well there, too. But at the same time, I realize that it is more difficult to keep up with the best there. The race is much longer, and no one can be sure of not suffering a letdown on one day, and that is enough to get removed from contention.”