The Swiss cyclist, Sven Montgomery, pulled off a master stroke to notch up his first professional career victory, winning the fifth stage of the Grand Prix du Midi Libre.

Montgomery, who races with the Francaise des Jeux team, grabbed the win and the leader's yellow jersey on the 170- kilometre stage between Rignac and Mende.

The 25-year-old Swiss, whose father hails from Chicago, immediately dedicated his victory to his team manager, Marc Madiot, who constantly encouraged him throughout the stage.

"Marc kept telling me to remain calm," recalled Montgomery, who said he felt more Swiss at heart than American. "When he told me to go for it, I felt great."

Montgomery made his move around one kilometre short of the finish on the steep climb to the top of Croix-Neuve, crossing the line five seconds ahead of Kazakhstan's Andei Kivilev.

Going into the final stage, 209 kilometres between Florac and Sète, Montgomery has a 10-second advantage over the Spaniard, Iban Mayo. Six other riders lie within a minute of the Swiss cyclist.

"I'm a little worried about Sunday because the team has ridden hard all week. I reckon I've got a 70 per cent chance of winning in Sète," added Montgomery.

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