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Germany's Martin cruises over cobblestones for yellow

July 7, 2015

Germany's Tony Martin finally has the yellow jersey, taking the overall lead in the Tour de France with a victory on the cobblestone-ridden 4th stage. Tour favorite Chris Froome looms 12 seconds behind Martin.

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Tony Martin
Image: Getty Images/D. Pensinger

Martin (Etixx-Quick Step) was able to grab the race leader's yellow jersey with a dazzling stage four victory on Tuesday, making easy work of the cobblestones that had many riders shaking.

The German three-time world time-trial champion broke clear of a reduced pack of riders with three kilometers to go and was able to hold off those charging to win by three seconds.

John Degenkolb and Peter Sagan finished second and third, respectively, at the end of the 223-km stage from Seraing to Cambrai.

Having missed out on the yellow jersey by a matter of seconds on each of the first three stages, Martin overhauled 2013 Tour champion Chris Froome, who now sits second with American Tejay Van Garderen third.

Froome was able to hold back defending champion Vincenzo Nibali, who built last year's win on the back of a brilliant performance on the slippery cobbles. Repeated efforts to crack Froome's resistance over the seven paved sections were in vain.

Heading into stage five, Nibali is in 13th place, 1'50'' behind Martin.

glb/jh (AFP, Reuters)