CULOZ, France, Aug 12, 2009 (AFP) – Estonia’s Rein Taaramae of the Cofidis team won the final stage of the four-day Tour de l’Ain on Wednesday to snatch overall victory from American Chris Horner.

Taaramae, who was celebrating his first professional victory, rode off to stage victory on the summit of La Grande Colombiere climb to finish ahead of teammates David Moncoutie and Damien Monier.

Horner, who rides for Astana, had started the 128.2km fourth stage in Belley with a 22sec lead on Taaramae but the American failed to defend his lead finishing 37sec behind his Estonian rival on the stage.

The Tour de l’Ain was notable this year for the return of Kazakh cycling star Alexandre Vinoukourov, who was competing for the first time since serving a two-year ban for doping.

Vinokourov failed to impress in the general classification but took his first competitive win since 2007 with victory in a short time trial Tuesday which succeeded the day’s main road race stage.

On Wednesday the 32-year-old failed to finish the stage, according to race organizers who said the Kazakh rider got off his bike before the ascent to the final summit.

File Photo by: CorVos Pro