The Omega Pharma - Quick-Step Cycling Team battled through a very tough Stage 4 of Paris-Nice from Brive la Gaillarde to Rodez, a 178km course with two category 2 climbs and three category 3 climbs. They also avoided a highly dangerous roundabout with 2km to go, which forced several riders, including general classification contender Levi Leipheimer, to make a last second adjustment in order to avoid crashing.
Gianni Meersman (LTB) ended up winning the bunch sprint, with Grega Bole (SLO) taking 2nd and Lieuwe Westra (VCD) taking third. However, Leipheimer and Sylvain Chavanel still finished close to the front to maintain their 2nd and 4th place GC standings. Leipheimer remains 6 seconds back, with Chavanel 14 seconds back from GC leader Bradley Wiggins (SKY).
"It was really dangerous and fast," Leipheimer said. "The speed was so high that I was forced to jump over the roundabout to not crash. However, I'm happy because the goal was to stay in the front and not have any kind of problem."
Five riders, each of whom sat at least 11 minutes outside of GC contention, attacked less than 10km into the race. One of the break members eventually dropped off, and the other four were caught by the peloton on a climb with 20km remaining.
"The day was really hard for us," Kevin De Weert said. "All day it was up and down. We worked for Levi and Sylvain — working, working, working, all day. It is really nice being on this team. We are in good shape and make results. The leaders have always had a lot of appreciation for the help. They always come up to us and say thanks to us."
The catch of the four remaining escapees was when Omega Pharma - Quick-Step Cycling Team took control of the race, working at or near the front to keep their leaders at the front.
"We took the race in our hands and the team pulled as hard as we could on the climb to stay in front with Levi and Sylvain," De Weert said. "We did a good job and they finished in the front without losing any time. Mission accomplished."
