Stage 4 of Paris–Nice delivered the first major shake-up of the general classification as Jonas Vingegaard (Team Visma | Lease a Bike) powered to victory on the steep finish in Uchon after a brutal day defined by crosswinds, rain, crashes, and decisive climbing.
From the moment the flag dropped in Bourges, the race was immediately torn apart by violent winds that split the peloton into echelons. Several favorites were forced into chasing groups as the race fragmented across the exposed roads, ensuring that the day’s decisive moves began long before the climbs.
Chaos in the Crosswinds
A strong front group formed early containing key contenders, including Jonas Vingegaard (Team Visma | Lease a Bike) and race leader Juan Ayuso (Lidl-Trek). Behind them, several GC riders were caught in splits and struggled to regain contact as the pace remained relentless across the rolling terrain.
The stage took a dramatic turn with around 47 kilometres remaining when Juan Ayuso (Lidl-Trek) crashed heavily and was forced to abandon the race. His withdrawal immediately reshaped the general classification battle and left the race lead up for grabs.
Meanwhile, the race situation ahead became increasingly selective. A reduced lead group pushed on toward the Morvan hills, with several riders distanced before the final climb even began.
Red Bull Numbers vs Vingegaard
On the approach to the decisive ascent of Uchon, Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe placed themselves in a strong tactical position with Daniel Felipe Martínez (Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe) and twins Tim van Dijke (Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe) and Mick van Dijke (Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe) present in the lead group.
The climb to Uchon—irregular and increasingly steep, with gradients touching 16% in the closing kilometre—began with roughly eight kilometres to go. Mick van Dijke (Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe) drove the early pace before swinging off with 6.5 km remaining.
His brother Tim van Dijke (Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe) continued the acceleration deeper into the climb, thinning the group and isolating rivals.
Vingegaard Makes the Difference
With the final kilometre looming, Jonas Vingegaard (Team Visma | Lease a Bike) launched the decisive move. The Dane surged clear on the steep ramps, distancing Daniel Felipe Martínez (Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe) and Tim van Dijke (Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe) to ride alone toward the summit finish.
Despite numerical superiority behind, the chasing trio could not close the gap. Vingegaard crested the climb solo to claim the stage victory after a day of relentless racing and harsh conditions.
GC Implications
The stage victory also propelled Jonas Vingegaard (Team Visma | Lease a Bike) into the overall race lead, marking his first yellow jersey of the season and confirming his status as the dominant climber of the race so far.
After a relatively controlled opening half of the race, Stage 4 transformed Paris–Nice into a full-blown GC battle, leaving the peloton scattered across the Morvan hills and the overall standings dramatically reshaped.
Results
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