Health Net’s John Murphy moved into the overall lead at the 2008 Tour de Taiwan, solidifying his hold on the sprint jersey as well by earning sprint points and time bonuses in the 111-kilometer second stage.

Murphy won the second and third intermediate sprints out on the road during a circuit race, run on a 14 km course, and finished 10th on the stage while helping teammate Kirk O’Bee to 7th on the stage. Time bonuses for the two sprints moved him ahead of previous leader Kam Po Wong of Team Hong Kong.

“For the second day in a row, the team executed really well in leading out Murphy for the sprints,” said team directeur sportif Mike Tamayo. “They were never in doubt.”

The 24-year-old Murphy now finds himself in the yellow leader’s jersey in his first major UCI stage race in Asia.

“I was really excited to take the green jersey after the first stage,” Murphy said. “But having the yellow jersey is one of the highlights of my career.”

Murphy will look to defend his yellow jersey, as well as continue to extend his lead in the points competition during Tuesday’s 117 km stage that starts and finishes in Baguashan. The stage includes the first major climb of the race, a 20 km climb near the finish in Baguashan.