Paris - Nice 2016: Sprint victory Bouhanni in stage 4, Matthews still in the lead

Stage 4 of Paris - Nice is mostly flat and a bunch sprint is the most likely outcome. But sprinters eyeing up the win have to brave a 2nd category climb with 30 kilometres left. That's too much fo Kittel, but not for Bouhanni. After his disqualification two days ago he powers to the win, besting Theuns and Greipel. Michael Matthews retains the yelow jersey. (Slideshow route/profile)

Results 4th stage Paris-Nice

1. Nacer Bouhanni (fra)
2. Edward Theuns (bel) s.t.
3. André Greipel (ger) s.t.
4. Alexander Kristoff (nor) s.t.
5. Michael Matthews (aus) s.t.
6. Ben Swift (gbr) s.t.
7. Nikolas Maes (bel) s.t.
8. Tony Gallopin (fra) s.t.
9. Youcef Reguigui (alg) s.t.
10. Roy Curvers (nld) s.t.

GC after stage 4
1. Michael Matthews (aus)
2. Tom Dumoulin (nld) + 0.14
3. Patrick Bevin (nzl) + 0.19
4. Ion Izagirre (spa) s.t.
5. Geraint Thomas (gbr) s.t.
6. Lieuwe Westra (nld) + 0.24
7. Dries Devenyns (bel) + 0.25
8. Rafal Majka (pol) + 0.27
9. Richie Porte (aus) s.t.
10. Tim Wellens (bel) + 0.28
11. Wilco Kelderman (nld) + 0.30

16. Tony Gallopin (fra) + 0.33
17. Alberto Contador (spa) s.t.
25. Romain Bardet (fra) + 0.42
26. Sergio Henao (col) + 0.43
27. Ilnur Zakarin (rus) + 0.43
36. Rui Costa (por) + 0.49

Race report
Thomas Voeckler, Matthew Brammeier, Florian Vachon and Evaldas Siskevicius race to a maximum gain of over 4 minutes. With 100 kms done the peloton starts to come closer and when they are almost caught Thomas Voeckler goes solo. Chavanel, Fernandez and Vanmarcke join him with 30 kms to go. Voeckler can’t follow the pace and he is dropped.

The trio can’t stand the heat and Katusha chases them down in favour of their leader Kristoff. But the fast Norwegian can’t finish the job as Bouhanni powers to the win.

Michael Matthews retains the yellow jersey.