Stage 4

Cadel Evans took his first true win at a stage in the Tour today. Though he was awarded a win in stage 13 of the 2007 in retrospect upon Alex Vinokourov's doping ban - today was his first outright stage victory.

The stage finished with a sharp 1.7km Cat 3 rise to the finish, known as the "wall" of Bretagne for a reason. It was an incredibly elite group who finished together after the 172km stage. Contador initially attacked with 1.4km to go, followed by Philippe Gilbert and Evans. Thor Hushovd was in the mix all the way to the line even taking over the attack at one point. Because of his efforts he will retain the yellow jersey - quite a feat for the world champion seeing as those attacking on the climb included Evans, Contador, Frank Schleck and Sammy Sanchez - some of the best climbers in the world.

It was certainly a good day for Thor, there is little doubt that he will now retain the yellow jersey for the remainder of the first week.

Evans was also a surprise winner, though very close to the yellow jersey going into the stage it was tipped as Gilbert's stage. When Contador attacked, clearly with something to prove, few doubted he (or the following Gilbert) would win. So for the Australian to have matched everyones wheel, move for move, is a very good sign heading into the mountains next week.

Fantasy League

Today saw the highest number yet of riders to receive points in a stage. A total of 50 riders achieved points today from 76 points going to breakaway instigator and the stage's most aggresive rider Jeremy Roy all the way down to 1 point for Maciej Paterski, currently ranked 10th in the White Jersey classification.

Those with Evans on their team picked up big points today. The BMC rider netted a total of 75 fantasy points, Thor Hushovd and Frank Schleck also picked up quite a few.

Team Heeead is still way out front, thanks largely to the success of Jose Rojas and Philippe Gilbert in the first few stages. Both were first time wearers of their respective jerseys and have finished high up in each of the first 3 road stages. Both of these riders however should, if all goes as is expected, fall by the wayside in the mountains as the true climbers come to form, so it will be very interesting to see how the leader board changes over the next 10 days.

Tomorrow is a shorter 164km stage with another bunch sprint to finish. The final 70k are all coastal though with high winds expected. Expect peleton splits and riders attacking in the final 10-15km...look for those classics guys and expect Hushovd to be right at the front.