Chicchi wins sixth stage of Tour of Missouri

By The Associated Press

September 12, 2009 | 7:54 p.m. CDT

Francesco Chicchi celebrates as he crosses the finish line to win Stage 6 of the Tour of Missouri on Saturday in St. Joseph. ¦ ERIC KEITH/St. Joseph News-Press for The Associated Press

ST. JOSEPH — Italian Francesco Chicchi won the sixth stage of the Tour of Missouri.

Chicchi, riding for Liquigas-Cannondale, completed Saturday's 110.3-mile stage in 3 hours, 41 minutes, 41 seconds. He received a special Pony Express statue from St. Joseph Mayor Ken Shearin.

American David Zabriskie, riding for Garmin-Slipstream, finished in the pack, but retained the Missouri Tourism Leader's Jersey.

Norway's Thor Hushovd, of Cervelo Test Team, and Argentina's Lucas Sebastian Haedo, of Colavita/Sutter Home p/b Cooking Light, finished second and third, respectively.

The riders finish with a circuit stage in Kansas City on Sunday.