Today was held the queen’s stage of the Tour of Norway – 195 km from Brumunddal to the host of the 1994 Winter Olympic Games, Lillehammer. The stage included 3 hard climbs in the second part of the distance.

“Today my main purpose was to hold the green jersey of the best sprinter. Supported by the team I did everything possible for that. Of course, I had a strong help from the team and I did my best at every climb, but it was beyond my abilities to follow the leaders in the mountains. The team helped me to pass first two climbs and I even managed to win the intermediate sprint, but to stay among the leaders on the final climbs was more than I could do. Now I am very motivated for tomorrow’s final stage,”  said Alexander Kristoff.

The fourth stage began with the breakaway of 4 riders, who managed to get a solid 8-minute advantage. However, at the middle of the penultimate climb near of Lillehammer the break was neutralized. Right after that moment attacks from peloton began.

Alexander Kristoff, supported by Aliaksandr Kuchynski was able to come back in the main group after passing the top of penultimate climb. After that he won the intermediate sprint and took more points for the green jersey.

At the last climb new attacks created a leading group of 4 riders. In that moment Katusha’s leader slowed his ride and set his own pace to keep his energy for tomorrow stage.

Finally the stage victory was played between 4 riders who attacked on the last climb. Bauke Mollema from Belkin was able to win the sprint, overtaking Jesper Hansen from Tinkoff-Saxo. Third place went to Lars-Petter Nordhaug from Belkin.

“All I can say is we are very sorry we lost Petr Ignatenko at the first stage because of his injury. I am sure he could be among the leaders today. Speaking about Alexander Kristoff, he did all possible, but these mountains are not his territory. Tomorrow we will have one more stage, and we are looking forward for it,” said sports director of Team Katusha, Torsten Schmidt.

After 4 stages Marc De Maar from UnitedHealthCare is still the overall leader. Alexander Kristoff saved his green jersey of the point’s classification.