Controversial Spanish rider Alejandro Valverde stayed on course to win the Dauphine Libere race on Saturday after Frenchman David Moncoutie won the seventh and penultimate stage of the race.

Moncoutie beat home Dutch cyclist Robert Gesink by around 40 seconds while former yellow jersey wearer Cadel Evans was third.

Valverde, who faces a worldwide two-year doping ban if cycling's world ruling body the UCI acts upon evidence yet to be delivered by the Italian sporting authorities, finished alongside Evans and some 15 seconds ahead of his compatriot and 2007 Tour de France champion Alberto Contador.

Evans - a two-time Tour de France runner-up - had tried to break away from Valverde on several occasions but every time the Spaniard found the resources to get back on his wheel.

For Moncoutie - a two-time stage winner in the Tour de France - it was his second win of the season after a stage win in the Tour of the Mediterranean.

"This was a really prestigious stage win," said Moncoutie.

"With the climbs of Galibier, the Croix-de-Fer and the finish at Saiint-Franois-Longchamp.

"It was a difficult stage but I like it when it is difficult." Sunday's final stage is a 146 kilometres ride from Faverges to Grenoble.

AFP