Hushovd takes Stage 7 at Tour de France

BARCELONA, Spain, July 9 (UPI) -- Thor Hushovd had a strong showing in a late climb and a final sprint Thursday to win the sixth stage of the Tour de France as the race crossed into Spain.

Hushovd finished the 109-mile route from Gerone to Barcelona in 4 hours, 21 minutes and 33 seconds. It was his first stage victory in 2009 but seventh overall.

Oscar Friere was second and Jose Joaquin Rojas third. The first 43 riders were credited with the same finish time.

David Millar led most of the race Thursday but was caught in the final mile by Brice Feillu. Feillu's charge set off a general sprint to the line with Hushovd grabbing the advantage in the final yards.

Overall Tour de France leader Fabian Cancellara and No. 2 Lance Armstrong were among the leading group and remain atop of the tour standings. Alberto Contador is 19 seconds off their pace.

The Tour de France on Friday covers 134.4 miles from Barcelona to the Andorran resort of Arcalis. It includes a Category 1 climb midway and a unclassified climb over the final miles.