Cycling: Fourth stage success for Gianni Meersman

Belgian rider Gianni Meersman timed his attack perfectly to win the fourth stage of the Paris-Nice race yesterday, and Bradley Wiggins kept the overall lead despite Alejandro Valverde’s late attack on the final climb.

Meersman was in sixth place as the final sprint was launched about 150 metres from the finish, but he chose an outside line to just edge out Grega Bole of Slovenia, with Dutch cyclist Lieuwe Westra finishing third.

“I thought I was too far but the finish was uphill. I waited, waited and waited until the last moment and I sprinted,” Meersman said. “I had a really good winter, the problems with my back and my left leg are over. I’m healthy now and I feel good in this team. They worked hard today and I dedicate my victory to them all.”

Valverde’s Movistar team helped him to the front on the last of five climbs. But Wiggins tucked in behind Valverde’s wheel to quell his attack.

Wiggins retained his six second lead over American veteran Levi Leipheimer, with Tejay Van Garderen of the United States 11 seconds back in third. Valverde failed to make up any time on Wiggins, remaining 20 seconds back and dropping a place to seventh with Westra moving above him.

A handful of riders crashed in the middle of the peloton with more than 12 miles to go, but none of them were hurt.