Petacchi takes fourth stage

Jul 08, 2010 |

Reims (France)

Italian Alessandro Petacchi, riding for the Lampre team, produced a perfectly timed sprint to claim victory in the 153km fourth stage of the Tour de France from Cambrai to here on Wednesday.

It was Petacchi’s second stage win after the sprinter, making his first appearance on the Tour in more than five years, won in Brussels on Sunday. Switzerland’s Fabian Cancellara retained the race leader’s yellow jersey.
In a large bunched sprint, Petacchi finished the stage ahead of New Zealander Julian Dean, Norway’s Edvald Boasson Hagen and Australian Robbie McEwen.
Briton Mark Cavendish, winner of six stages in last year’s Tour, came in 12th on a smooth stage that would have come as welcome relief to the riders after three days of tough cycling over cobblestones and at-times slick conditions that saw a number of crashes.
Norway's Thor Hushovd was ninth, one place ahead of one of his main rivals for the green jersey Oscar Freire. Dimitri Champion (AG2R-La Mondiale) launched an attack after just 1.5km in sunny conditions in northern France.
But the sprinters' teams contained their advantage and the breakaway was reeled in with 3km remaining after the escapees had enjoyed 148km out in front. — AFP

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