Grabsch wins 4th stage of the Dauphine Libere; Evans back in overall race lead

Grabsch wins 4th stage of Dauphine Libere

VALENCE, France — Bert Grabsch of Germany has won the fourth stage of the Dauphine Libere ahead of Cadel Evans of Australia, who reclaimed the overall lead in the Tour de France warmup.

Grabsch finished the 26.3-mile time trial from Bourg-les-Valence to Valence on Wednesday in an unofficial time of 51 minutes, 26 seconds for his first victory of the season.

Evans took second place, seven seconds behind the 33-year-old time trial world champion. British rider David Millar finished third, 39 seconds behind.

Evans regained the overall lead he held for two days after winning the opening time trial in Nancy on Sunday. He now leads 2007 Tour de France champion Alberto Contador by 45 seconds. The Spaniard finished fifth.

Grabsch moved up to third place overall, 48 seconds behind Evans, runner-up at the Tour for the past two years. Defending champion Alejandro Valverde of Spain suffered a big setback, losing 1 minute and 31 seconds to Evans.

Previous leader Niki Terpstra of the Netherlands lagged well behind in 114th place of the stage, 5:27 back.

“I did not necessarily come to win, but it’s better to lead, for sure,” Evans said. “The track was fast and Grabsch was the best today. But I fear for the Ventoux tomorrow.”

Thursday’s stage is a 96-mile ride from Valence to the Mont Ventoux that features four difficult climbs, including the grueling uphill finish.