Omega Pharma - Quick-Step Cycling Team rider Petr Vakoc was once again well supported by his teammates in the overall lead at 236km Tour de Pologne Stage 4 on Wednesday. He stayed in front all the way until just before the sprint finale of the stage, keeping his GC lead by 26 seconds going into the mountains on Thursday.
Nikolas Maes was the top finisher for OPQS, placing 9th. Jonas Van Genechten (Lotto-Belisol) won the stage, with Jacopo Guarnieri (Astana) 2nd and Luka Mezgec (Giant-Shimano) 3rd.
The original breakaway was caught well before the sprint, but a few late race attacks threatend the group arrival. Thor Hushovd (BMC Racing Team) attacked with about 1.6km to go, but was caught a few hundred meters before the line.
190km Stage 5 includes several categorized climbs and a Cat. 1 summit finish in Strbske Pleso.