05/13/2008
Mark Cavendish won the fourth stage of the Giro d'Italia Tuesday in a group sprint finish, and Franco Pellizotti retained the overall lead for a third day.
Cavendish, who rides for High Road, finished in an unofficial time of 4 hours, 49 minutes, 9 seconds.
Robert Forster was second, followed by Monday's winner, Daniele Bennati.
Rik Verbrugghe of Cofidis rode for 164 kilometers (102 miles) in a solo breakaway before being caught by the group with 20 kilometers (12 miles) left.
“My team worked very hard today to make sure I could keep the jersey,” said Pellizotti, who rides for Liquigas. “It will be difficult to keep it after tomorrow, but I will try. Tomorrow will be a test for everybody who wants to win this Giro d'Italia.”
The Giro continues Wednesday with a 203-kilometer (126-mile) leg from Belevedere Marittimo to Contursi Terme that includes a brief steep climb to the finish line.
Results from the fourth stage of the Giro d'Italia
1. Mark Cavendish, England, High Road, 4 hours, 49 minutes, 9 seconds.
2. Robert Forster, Germany, Gerolsteiner, same time.
3. Daniele Bennati, Italy, Liquigas, same time.
4. Assan Bazayev, Kazakhstan, Astana, same time.
5. Mirco Lorenzetto, Italy, Lampre, same time.
6. Erik Zabel, Germany, Milram, same time.
7. Robbie McEwen, Australia, Silence-Lotto, same time.
8. Tony Martin, Germany, High Road, same time.
9. Paolo Bettini, Italy, Quick Step, same time.
10. Koldo Fernandez de Larrea, Basque Country, Euskaltel-Euskadi, same time.
Overall Standings (After 4 of 21 stages)
1. Franco Pellizotti, Italy, 16 hours, 41 minutes, 26 seconds.
2. Christian Vandevelde, United States, 1 second behind
3. Danilo Di Luca, Italy, :07.
4. Morris Possoni, Italy, :08.
5. Vincenzo Nibali, Italy, same time.
6. Nicki Sorensen, Denmark, :17.
7. Kanstantsin Siutsou, Belarus, :18.
8. Paolo Savoldelli, Italy, :19.
9. Andrea Noe, Italy, :22.
10. Daniele Bennati, Italy, :24.
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