THE SIDELINES : Frenchman Widens Cycling Lead

Frenchman Laurent Fignon outsprinted his top rivals to the finish line and won the 20th stage of the Tour of Italy cycling race today, increasing his overall lead.

Fignon posted his first stage victory in a tough mountainous leg. With only two stages remaining in the 22-day marathon, Fignon, 28, appeared headed for his first triumph in the Tour of Italy.

Fignon controlled his closest opponents through five mountain passes and surprisingly went on the attack two kilometers from the finish, in this port city along the Italian Riviera. After gaining an early lead, Fignon was caught by the pursuers on the final straight leg, but launched a winning sprint in the final 100 meters. He crossed the finish line ahead of Italy’s Maurizio Fondriest and Australian Phil Anderson.

In the overall standings, Fignon extended his lead over runner-up Giupponi to 1 minute, 25 seconds.