Dekker holds off Armstrong

Dekker (r) denied Armstrong victory in Holland

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Dutchman Erik Dekker sped to victory in the 258.4 kilometre Amstel Gold World Cup race on Saturday.

The Dutch Rabobank rider beat Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong of US Postal in a two-man sprint to the line to finish in a time of six hours, 39 minutes and 13 seconds.

It was the second time in two years the American US Postal rider was denied victory in Holland. He lost out in 1999 to another Dutchman, Michael Boogerd.

Belgian Serge Baguet of Lotto took third place.

It was Armstrong who made the first initial break from the peloton with 42km to go on the newly adapted course.

The race, which normally goes into Belgium for the two final climbs, had to be changed because of concerns over foot-and-mouth disease.

Armstrong had to settle for second

Armstrong was soon followed by Italian Eddy Mazzoleni - but Dekker caught both men after a 12km chase.

With only 13km to go, Armstrong attempted to pull away from Dekker at the third and final climb at Cauberg.

But the Dutchman stood firm and followed the Texan all the way.

And his persistence paid dividends when he held off Armstrong on the line.

The victory was only the second World Cup win of his career - the first coming at the San Sebastian classic last summer.

The man called "Triple" Dekker after three Tour de France stage wins last year tops the World Cup points standing with five of the 10 events completed.

Results Saturday of the 36th running of the 258km (161-mile) Amstel Gold Race cycling classic, fifth event in the 2001 World Cup:

1. Erik Dekker, Netherlands, six hours, 39 minutes and 13 seconds
2. Lance Armstrong, United States, same time.
3. Serge Baguet, Belgium, 13 seconds behind.
4. Markus Zberg, Switzerland, same time.
5. Johan Museeuw, Belgium, same time.
6. Peter van Petegem, Belgium, 20 seconds behind.
7. Michele Bartoli, Italy, same time.
8. Davide Rebellin, Italy, same time.
9. Michael Boogerd, Netherlands, same time.
10. Chris Peers, Blegium, same time.

World Cup standings:

1. Erik Dekker, Netherlands, 199 points.
2. Johan Museeuw, Belgium 120.
3. Romans Vainsteins, Latvia, 116.
4. Gianluca Bortolami, Italy, 111.
5. Servais Knaven, Netherlands, 101.
6. Erik Zabel, Germany, 100
Oscar Camenzind, Switzerland, 100.