Stage four of the 2020 Tour de France saw the race’s first mountain-top finish with Primoz Roglic (TJV) taking the stage win ahead of with Tadej Pogacar (UAE) in second, and Gullaime Martin (COF) completing the podium.
Visited for the first time in 1971, when Luis Ocaña crushed all his rivals en route to one of the most dominant wins ever seen at the Tour de France, Orcières-Merlette returned on the race after 31 years. First summit finish of this edition, coming at the end of a stage that featured four other classified climbs, Orcières-Merlette witnessed another strong and composed display of Julian Alaphilippe, who retained the yellow jersey, that he will now sport for the 17th time.
The stage that started from Sisteron was animated by six riders, whose margin was kept in check by Deceuninck – Quick-Step, who helped Sam Bennett win the intermediate sprint in Veynes.
The Irish Champion emerged the fastest when the bunch passed through there, some three minutes behind the escapees, and is now on equal scores with the green jersey classification leader.
On the early slopes of Orcières-Merlette the last survivor of the day’s breakaway was caught. The pace was ramped up four kilometres to go, but no move came until with 300 metres remaining, when the acceleration of Primoz Roglic (Jumbo-Visma) saw the Slovenian claim the victory in an uphill sprint after a lot of work by his teammate Wout Van Aert.
Tadej Pogačar showed he is carrying good form as the Slovenian youngster from UAE Team Emirates finished in 2nd place, with Guillaume Martin of Cofidis taking third.
Stage 4 results
1. Primoz Roglic (Jumbo-Visma) 4:04:47
2. Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates) s.t.
3. Guillaume Martin (Cofidis) s.t.
General classification after the 4th stage
1. Julian Alaphilippe (Deceuninck-Quick Step) 18:07:04
2. Adam Yates (Mitchelton-Scott) @ 4 ”
3. Primoz Roglic (Jumbo-Visma) @ 7 ”
