Tony Martin finally earned himself a stint in the yellow jersey after a superb solo victory on an enthralling cobbled stage four at the Tour de France.

Der Panzerwagen has been just seconds off the race lead after each of the first three stages – with Chris Froome (Team Sky) narrowly denying the German by a single second the previous day.

But good things come to those who wait and Martin’s resilience paid off when he launched a superb late attack – after chasing back to the front group just before the final sector of cobbles on a team-mate’s bike – to win the stage and earn the race lead.

Despite the jersey trading hands, it was another good day for Froome, too, who – with first Luke Rowe and then Geraint Thomas offering superb support – handled the cobbles with little problem.

Vincenzo Nibali (Astana) also showed his class on the pave, while Alberto Contador, Nairo Quintana, Alejandro Valverde and Tejay van Garderen are also all very much in contention still after sticking with the front group.

So after such an enthralling day, read on for the three things we learned.