06 July,2011 07:29 AM IST | | AFP
Two-time runner-up Cadel Evans of BMC held off a late charge from Alberto Contador to claim a prestigious victory on the fourth stage of the Tour de France yesterday.
Norwegian Thor Hushovd, tipped to lose the yellow jersey after a brutal two-kilometre finishing climb, held on to the race lead after the 172.5km ride from Lorient to Mur-de-Bretagne.
Reigning world champion Hushovd upset predictions to finish sixth on the stage and thus keep his 01sec lead on Evans intact ahead of today's fifth stage to Cap Frehel.
"Everyone wants to take the jersey off me, but I'm going to hold on to it as long as possible," said Hushovd, who took the race lead after his Garmin-Cervelo team won the 23km team time-trial on Sunday. ufffd
