Menchov celebrates his stage-two victory

"But I'm afraid I might lose the yellow jersey tomorrow in the time trial. I'm not a specialist."

Aitor Kinta finished second on the stage, two seconds after Menchov, with the Russian's Banesto team-mate Unai Osa third, a further seven seconds adrift.

Favourite Lance Armstrong finished seventh, 37 seconds behind Menchov, but left behind most of his serious rivals for overall victory.

His US Postal team director Johan Bruyneel said the three-time Tour de France winner had saved some strength for Wednesday's 40km time trial between Montelimar and Pierrelatte.

"It's the longest time trial Lance has done so far this season and he did not want to pull from his reserves," he said.

Last year's winner Christophe Moreau and French climber Richard Virenque remained in contention by finishing eighth and 11th respectively.

First-stage winner Durand, not known for his climbing ability, finished 21 minutes back in 100th position.

Dauphine Libere 174km second stage

1. Denis Menchov (Russia) Ibanesto.com Four hours 20 minutes and 25 seconds
2. Aitor Kintana (Spain) BigMat-Auber 93 2 seconds behind
3. Unai Osa (Spain) Ibanesto.com 7
4. Felix-Garcia Casas (Spain) BigMat-Auber 13
5. Andrei Kivilev (Russia) Cofidis 37
6. Haimar Zubeldia (Spain) Euskaltel
7. Lance Armstrong (U.S.) U.S. Postal both same time
8. Christophe Moreau (France) Credit Agricole 40
9. Oscar Sevilla (Spain) Kelme 53
10. Floyd Landis (U.S.) U.S. Postal 1:42

Overall standings:

1. Denis Menchov (Russia) Ibanesto.com Nine hours three minutes and 50 seconds
2. Aitor Kintana (Spain) BigMat-Auber 93 5 seconds behind
3. Unai Osa (Spain) Ibanesto.com 10
4. Felix Garcia-Casas (Spain) Bigmat-Auber 11
5. Lance Armstrong (U.S.) U.S. Postal 23
6. Haimar Zubeldia (Spain) Euskaltel 28
7. Andrei Kivilev (Kazakhstan) Cofidis 37
8. Christophe Moreau (France) Credit Agricole 39
9. Oscar Sevilla (Spain) Kelme 41
10. Floyd Landis (U.S.) US Postal 1:36