Sivtsov's sprints to surprise race lead in Georgia

BRASSTOWN BALD MOUNTAIN, Georgia (Reuters) - Kanstantin Sivtsov of Belarus surprised the race favorites to win the mountainous sixth stage of the Tour de Georgia on Saturday and move into the overall lead.

The 25-year-old Sivtsov bolted clear in the final kilometer ahead of former leader Trent Lowe of Australia and race favorite Levi Leipheimer to claim the 142.3 km stage from Blairsville to Brasstown Bald in a little under four hours.

Lowe, who grabbed the overall lead after the fifth stage, finished 10 seconds behind Sivtov with American Leipheimer a further six seconds adrift in third.

Sivtsov, a former amateur world champion competing in the United States for the first time, leads Lowe by four seconds in the overall classification and enjoys a 14 second advantage over Leipheimer.

"I waited and waited for the last part of the climb," Sivtsov told reporters. "My team mates and director told me to wait and wait, so I did.

"It was a very difficult climb and it's very important for the team."

Sivtsov, Lowe and Leipheimer emerged from a group of six riders at the front of the peloton to tackle the final five kilometer ascent.

The Australian and American duo exchanged attacks as they vied for the stage win but were both surprised by Sivtsov's late burst.

"I made some mistakes," Leipheimer said.