American Leipheimer wins Dauphine Libre

GRENOBLE, France, June 11 (Reuters) American Levi Leipheimer won the Dauphine Libre today to complete an ideal dress rehearsal for the Tour de France starting next month.

Frenchman Christophe Moreau was second overall behind the Gerolsteiner rider with German Bernard Kohl in third place.

The final stage from Saint-Jean-De-Maurienne to Grenoble was won by Norwegian Thor Hushovd in a sprint of about 40 riders.

Second behind the Credit Agricole rider was Frenchman Samuel Dumoulin with Belgian Phillipe Gilbert third.

''It all went according to plan.'' Hushovd said. ''The whole team collaborated to pull back a dangerous break and then I just had to finish off their good work.'' The Tour de France starts in Strasbourg on July 1. Last year Leipheimer finished sixth overall behind compatriot and seven-times champion Lance Armstrong.

REUTERS PDS BST1857