Wout Poels produced a late surge to win stage four of the Tour of Britain in Teignmouth.
Poels’ Vacansoleil team controlled the day’s racing and the Dutchman claimed line honours ahead of team-mate Borut Bozic, while HTC-Columbia’s Michael Albasini retained the overall lead.
Johnny Hoogerland (Vacansoleil), Dan Martin (Garmin) and Mathew Hayman (Team Sky) launched an early attack on the 171.3km stage, which included three first category climbs.
HTC-Columbia piloted a 30-strong chase in order to protect their yellow jersey wearer to leave more than 60 riders off the back and struggling to make the time cut.
Irishman Martin, winner of last month’s Tour of Poland, made a solo break for victory with 15km to go but was soon reeled in by the pack.
Patrick Sinkewitz (ISD-Neri), Jack Bauer (Endura Sport), Koen de Kort (Skil-Shimano) and Domenico Pozzovivo (Colnago-CSF) all attacked late on but failed to escape.
That left Poels to make his move under the flamme rouge and the 22 year-old held on to take the limelight while Bozic wrapped up the mass sprint which followed.
Stage four results
1) Wout Poels – Vacansoleil Pro Cycling Team – 4h 30m 35s
2) Borut Bozic – Vacansoleil Pro Cycling Team – @ 5s
3) Koen De Kort – Skil–Shimano – @ same time
Honda combativity award winner: Dan Martin, Garmin – Transitions Pro Cycling Team
General classification standings (after stage four)
1) Michael Albasini – Team HTC–Columbia – 15h 27m 41
2) Richie Porte – Team Saxo Bank – @ 1m 28s
3) Borut Bozic – Vacansoleil Pro Cycling Team – @ 1m 32s
The Prostate Cancer Charity points jersey standings (after stage four)
1) Michael Albasini – Team HTC–Columbia – 39pts
2) Greg Henderson – Sky Professional Cycling Team – 36pts
3) Borut Bozic – Vacansoleil Pro Cycling Team – 28pts
King of the Mountains jersey standings (after stage four)
1) Johnny Hoogerland – Vacansoleil Pro Cycling Team – 45pts
2) Richie Porte – Team Saxo Bank – 45pts
3) Wout Poels – Vacansoleil Pro Cycling Team – 31pts
Sprints jersey standings (after stage four)
1) Richie Porte – Team Saxo Bank – 15pts
2) Matthew Hayman – Sky Professional Cycling Team – 11pts
3) Borut Bozic – Vacansoleil Pro Cycling Team – 8pts
