Eneco Tour 2016 Stage 4: Sagan bests Greipel in close finish and takes GC lead

At almost 200 kilometres, the 4th stage of the Eneco Tour leads to a tricky finale as the final lap features both cobbles and nasty climbs. Nevertheless the race boils down to a sprint with Sagan powering to the win. As a bonus he takes the leader's jersey. (Slideshow route/profile)

Results 4th stage Eneco Tour

1. Peter Sagan (svk)
2. André Greipel (ger) s.t.
3. Alexander Kristoff (nor) s.t.
4. Arnaud Démare (fra) s.t.
5. Dylan Groenewegen (nld) s.t.
6. John Degenkolb (ger) s.t.
7. Reinardt J. van Rensburg (rsa) s.t.
8. Amaury Capiot (bel) s.t.
9. Giacomo Nizzolo (ita) s.t.
10. Luka Mezgec (slo) s.t.

GC after 4th stage
1. Peter Sagan (svk)
2. Rohan Dennis (aus) + 0.07
3. Jos van Emden (nld) + 0.12
4. Andrey Grivko (Oek) + 0.20
5. Jasha Sütterlin (ger) + 0.21
6. Martin Elmiger (swi) s.t.
7. Wilco Kelderman (nld) + 0.22
8. Matthias Brändle (Oos) s.t.
9. Primoz Roglic (slo) + 0.23
10. Taylor Phinney (usa) z.t

13. Tony Martin (ger) + 0.25
16. Tom Dumoulin (nld) + 0.27
36. Tim Wellens (bel) + 0.39
39. Greg Van Avermaet (bel) + 0.40

Race report
Brian van Goethem, Mark McNally, Bert Van Lerberghe and Sjoerd Van Ginneken race to a lead at 5 minutes, but when the pack accelerates they are brought back with 65 kms remaining.

Right now, team mates Grivko en Gruzdev are on the attack with a lead at half a minute. Tony Martin and Tom Dumoulin don’t manage to chase them down.

At the top of the steep Bruine Put climb Jasper Stuyven jumps to the front group. The climb itself was the Golden Kilometre and Grivko took a time bonus at 3 x 3 seconds.

With 2 kms left Stuyven is the last rider to be reeled in.

Peter Sagan outsprints Andre Greipel with the tiniest of margins. A photo finish is needed to decide on the winner. The World and European Champion takes a time bonus at 10 seconds and is the new overall leader.