This fourth stage is 221 km. long and will probably be dominated by the sprinter teams as the hills aren't really steep or long enough for the GC contenders. Therefore, it's a stage which is very suited for the sprinters - or maybe a breakaway. Favourites are Bennati, Petacchi and Hushovd
Early on the stage, Parra Pinto, Nolf and Sestili went on the break. They were allowed to 'go' by the peloton, although Parra is just 4'24 behind in the overall classement. And as we saw in Paris-Nice, 4'24 can quick be changed to either a leader's jersey or a spot on the podium With 125 km. to go, the gap peaked at 11'54 minutes, and Accumalux began the chase.
Philips assisted, and the gap was decreasing steadily. With 70 km. to go, the break had a little less than 6 minutes, and they were now in the "hilly zone" of the stage. After the first two hills, and with 50 km left, the gad had decreased to 3'34, and the situation for the three riders in front looked ... well, not so good It continued this way, but on the last "real" hill before the finish, Parra Pinto took off. At this point, there was just 41 seconds to the peloton.
On the few last metres of the hill, Van Impe of Warner Bros attacked and made his way up to Parra Pinto, the only one of the three escapees who had survived until now. Mapei responded immediately, though, and closed the gap, ending today's breakaways with 25 km to go. Van Impe did get something for his attack, though, as he got a few more points in the Mountain Classement and took the jersey from Illiano.
Fast-forwarding to the last 2700 metres. It doesn't look very organized, but in between these riders for the sprint we find Grillo, Petacchi, Bozic, McEwen, Bennati, Hushovd and Bettini.
It's Petacchi leading with 1000 m to go, followed by Grillo, who's fading now, Bennati and Hushovd - just as expected. Then there's a small gap to Bozic and Bettini while McEwen seems lost and far from his form peaks a few years ago.
And it's a clear victory for Petacchi, beating Bennati with almost a bike length. Hushovd didn't stand up for the challenge at all, but he gets a third place. Grillo takes four ahead of Bettini and Bozic.
With 125 km. to go, the gap peaked at 11'54 minutes, and Accumalux began the chase.
