Quick-Step rider Sebastien Rosseler won today's fourth stage in the Four Days of Dunkirk, a 18.7km individual Time Trial that took place in Douai. The Belgian rider covered the course in 23’21’’, beating Alberto Faria Da Costa (Caisse D’Epargne) by 18” and Damien Monier of the Cofidis Team by 25”. This win also was enough for Rosseler to take over the race lead.
This is a great result for Rosseler who was injured earlier this season and forced to miss the classics build-up. Rosseler injured his left scaphoid in a crash at the Volta ao Algarve.
"I am really pleased," said Rosseler after his ride. "It was a difficult time trial with a strong head wind during the first part which meant I really had to put a lot of energy into it. My physical condition is improving day by day and I am feeling good. I am now also leader of the race! We’ll see what happens during the next two stages but I can assure you that I want to defend my leadership."
This is the 6th victory of his career and give a good sign for the rest of the season.
The race continues this weekend with a 195,4 kilometre long stage finishing in Boeschepe on Saturday and a 172,3 kilometre long stage finishing in Dunkerque on Sunday.
Results of the fourth stage:
1. Sebastien Rosseler/BEL (Quickstep), 18.7 km in 23min 21.08sec
2. Rui Alberto Faria Da Costa (POR/GCE) at 18sec
3. Damien Monier (FRA/COF) 25.
4. David Lelay (FRA/AGR) s.t.
5. Cyril Lemoine (FRA/SKS) 27.
6. Lieuwe Westra (NED/VAC) 29.
7. Bert Grabsch (GER/THR) 35.
8. Jurgen Roelandts (BEL/SIL) 39.
9. Alex Rasmussen (DEN/SAX) 40.
10. Luis Pasamontes (ESP/GCE) 43.
Overall
1. Sebastien Rosseler (BEL/QST), 612.6 km in 15hr 00min 31sec
2. Rui Alberto Faria Da Costa (POR/GCE) 18.
3. David Lelay (FRA/AGR) 23.
4. Cyril Lemoine (FRA/SKS) 27.
5. Jurgen Roelandts (BEL/SIL) 39.
6. Andre Greipel (GER/THR) 41.
7. Luis Pasamontes (ESP/GCE) 43.
8. Stephane Auge (FRA/COF) 44.
9. Mathieu Ladagnous (FRA/FDJ) 47.
10. Loyd Mondory (FRA/ALM) 48.