John Degenkolb sprinted to second on stage 4 of Le Tour de France. With a well-timed attack far in the finale Tony Martin took the victory. After being so close to the yellow jersey yesterday, the German now takes the overall lead.

Yesterday it was a reduced Fleche Wallonne, today a short version of Paris-Roubaix; covering seven cobblestone sections, making a total of 13.3km. With 223.5km it was the longest stage of this year’s Tour de France that went from Seraing to Cambrai.

For the third time in a row the early break consisted of four riders. Section by section the bunch got thinned out while hitting the cobblestones and a group of 40 riders was left to battle for victory. In the finale Tony Martin (Etixx – Quick Step) placed a well-timed attack and was gone for the win. In the sprint John Degenkolb was the fastest and took second. Martin is the new leader in the general classification.

Warren Barguil rode an incredibly strong race, coming in 21st at his first appearance on the cobblestones. He took part in all team recons in preparation for Le Tour de France and clearly benefited from that today. He is also the first for team in the GC at 11th.

John Degenkolb reflected on the stage directly after crossing the finish line: “I am extremely disappointed. It’s nice that another German wins but I wanted to win here myself. Everything went perfect today only the victory was missing.”

Coach Marc Reef reflected: “It’s really disappointing. We rode an excellent race, constantly well positioned and did everything right until 1.5km to go. Eventually that final bit was lacking today in the finale and we didn’t get the win.

“The team was strong today. When the finale began we had five guys in the first group of ~50 riders. The others did a great job to bring them in position.

“A second place is the most unrewarding result and John [Degenkolb] is incredibly disappointed. A big opportunity is gone and we have to process another setback.”