Bradley Wiggins was caught behind a crash in the hectic final of today's fourth stage of the Giro d'Italia and the Sky captain ended up losing 17 seconds to his key rivals. Despite the fact that he now trails Vincenzo Nibali (Astana) by 3 seconds his Sky team seems to be unfazed by the time loss.

Everything seemed to be under control for the Sky team when the peloton powered along wet roads towards the finish line in today's fourth stage of the Giro d'Italia but a relatively innocuous ended up costing team captain Bradley Wiggins all the time he had gained by winning Sunday's team time trial. A crash slowed down the British rider and when he crossed the finish line he had lost 17 seconds to his rivals.

Prior to the stage Wiggins was the best-placed of the race favourites in 2nd position 17 seconds behind overall leader Luca Paolini but he instead of being in pole position he is now equal on time with Ryder Hesjedal (Garmin-Sharp) and 3 seconds behind Vincenzo Nibali. Nonetheless, the team plays down the significance and for a long time still hoped to see the time loss overturned.

“Brad was caught behind a crash," sports director Marcus Ljungqvist said. "We are waiting from something from the race jury. The crash was inside three kilometres to go so hopefully they will recognise that. It’s one of those things that happens in bike racing. It’s certainly not the end of the world."

Despite the team's hopes the race commissaires chose not to annul the gap and Wiggins is now 6th overall 34 seconds behind Paolini. However, team manager David Brailsford insists that the race will be won or lost in the upcoming key stages.

“It’s one of those races where you just have to pay attention all the time," he told Sky Sports News. "You can gain hard-earned seconds here and there and then you can lose time very quickly. Bradley’s in great shape mentally and physically. Ultimately this first week is all about staying in contention and then this race will be won and lost in the time trials and the high mountains.”

Until the dramatic end the stage had shaped up perfectly for the British team. Wiggins was well-protected by his teammates throughout a very long day in the saddle and when the peloton hit the final climb, Kanstantsin Siutsou set the hard, steady tempo that Wiggins likes.

Despite illness for one of Wiggins' key domestiques Ljungqvist insists that the team is in a good position.

“On the last climb we wanted to stay out of trouble and hold position there," he said. "The team rode well there. Everything is good within the team. The guys are strong with the exception of Dario [Cataldo] who is still suffering a bit from his illness the last couple of days. He’s doing a really good job and hopefully he’ll come around.”

The team now looks forward to two calm days in the saddle before the GC battle heats up on Friday and in the crucial time trial on Sunday.

Starting at 14.15 you can follow tomorrow's fifth stage on CyclingQuotes.com/live.