News : Tour de France: Elia Viviani wins fourth stage in the final sprint

The fourth stage of the Tour de France from Reims to Nancy was decided as expected in the final sprint. After 213.5 kilometers, Elia Viviani (Italy) finished ahead of Alexander Kristoff (Norway) and Caleb Ewan (Australia). For his team Deceuninck-Quick-Step it is the second victory of the day in a row.

On Monday, Frenchman Julian Alaphilippe had won the third leg and taken the yellow jersey. Alaphilippe crossed the finish line in Nancy and successfully defended the overall lead. He is 20 seconds ahead of Belgian Wout Van Aert in the overall standings.

Viviani is the first Italian since Alessandro Petacchi in 2010, who was able to win a mass sprint at the Tour de France. It was the first tour stage victory in his career.

André Greipel finished as the best German driver in twelfth place. The Slovak Peter Sagan from the German team Bora-hansgrohe finished fourth.

Before the exciting finale, the typical monotonous scenario for flat stages had developed. Three professionals, including the Swiss Michael Schär, tried to escape - despite the unfavorable prospect of success. In the peloton, German time trial specialist Tony Martin dictated the pace for a long time, keeping the distance under control.

The fifth leg of the Tour de France will take place on Wednesday from Nancy to the Vosges. On the 175.5-kilometer section from Saint-Dié -des-Vosges to Colmar four climbs are on the plan. The terrain close to the German border offers a breakaway group chances for a daily success.