Frenchman Alexandre Geniez (Skil-Shimano) put in a fine performance to win the Tour of Austria's fourth stage today, earning himself the title of "King of the Glockner" for his efforts. The 23 year old held off the peloton for the final 30 kilometers of the stage, barely staying clear of his teammate Johannes Fröhlinger (Skil-Shimano), who crossed the line in second place, just 15 seconds behind. Alexandre Pliuschin (Katusha) rounded out the podium in third, while Fredrik Kessiakoff (Astana) finshed the day in fourth to successfully defend his lead in the overall classification.
Today's 199.3 kilometer stage represented the longest of the 2011 Tour of Austria, with the peloton travelling from the start in Matrei north to Alpendorf. A group of seven went clear just 15 kilometers into the stage as the race approached the category two climb of the Iselsberg. The escape included David Wöhrer (Tyrol Team), Dominik Hrinkow (Team Vorarlberg), Manuele Boaro (Saxo Bank-Sungard), Martin Kohler (BMC Racing), Alexandre Geniez (Skil-Shimano), Jean-Eudes Demaret (Cofidis) and Andreas Dietziker (NetApp).
The Hors Categorie ascent up the Hochtor saw Geniez and Kohler distance themselves from the others, with the Frenchman taking the Glocknerkönig prize uncontested. The break was back to four as they approached the final category one climb up Dientner Sattel; the launching pad for Geniez's solo ride to the finish.
Behind fifth place overall Thomas Rohregger () tried his luck at gaining back time in the overall, but the Astana team of the race leader proved to strong for the Leopard Trek rider. Ahead the young Frenchman crossed the line alone to cap off a brilliant ride.
Tomorrow's fifth stage of Tour of Austria will take the peloton from Alpendorf 157.2 kilometers to Schladming. It includes a category four and two climb in the first 50 kilometers, with a category three climb inside 30 kilometers from the finish.