Oli Stockwell's superb Tour of Britain continued with an epic ride on the queen's stage - finishing hot on the heels of dynamic duo Wout van Aert and Julian Alaphilippe.

Herts Advertiser: Jumbo Visma'a Wout Van Aert beats Deceuninck Quick-Step's Juliane Alaphilippe to win stage four on the Great Orme.Jumbo Visma'a Wout Van Aert beats Deceuninck Quick-Step's Juliane Alaphilippe to win stage four on the Great Orme. (Image: © SWpix.com (t/a Photography Hub Ltd))

The former Welwyn Wheeler stayed with a heavily-reduced front group that skirted round the Great Orme on the outskirts of Llandudno in stage four of the eight-day race.

Herts Advertiser: Trinity Racing's Christopher Blevins entertains the crowd on the climb to the finish.Trinity Racing's Christopher Blevins entertains the crowd on the climb to the finish. (Image: © SWpix.com (t/a Photography Hub Ltd))

The final 2km was up the dreaded climb and while arguably the world's best two cyclists on this type of terrain duked it out for the win, the London Colney man finished 15th, just 41 seconds behind.

Herts Advertiser: Mark Cavendish thanks the fans as he approaches the finish line on stage four of the Tour of Britain.Mark Cavendish thanks the fans as he approaches the finish line on stage four of the Tour of Britain. (Image: © SWpix.com (t/a Photography Hub Ltd))

It made him the biggest mover in the general classification, thrusting him up 22 places to 35th, five minutes 51 seconds behind van Aert who reclaimed the race lead.

Herts Advertiser: Michael Woods leads Wout Van Aert and Julian Alaphilippe up the savage gradients of the Great Orme on stage four of the Tour of Britain.Michael Woods leads Wout Van Aert and Julian Alaphilippe up the savage gradients of the Great Orme on stage four of the Tour of Britain. (Image: © SWpix.com (t/a Photography Hub Ltd))

Ethan Hayter and Ineos Grenadiers had looked to control the latter stages and Hayter rode a measured final climb, reconnecting with the leaders inside the final kilometre.

Herts Advertiser: Juliane Alaphilippe and Wout Van Aert feel the efforts of their charge to the line in stage four of the Tour of Britain.Juliane Alaphilippe and Wout Van Aert feel the efforts of their charge to the line in stage four of the Tour of Britain. (Image: © SWpix.com (t/a Photography Hub Ltd))

But time bonuses on the line proved vital, with both van Aert and Alaphilippe collapsing in a heap shortly after the line as they attempted to some wind back into their lungs.

Van Aert now leads Hayter by two seconds with world champion Alaphilippe a further nine seconds adrift in third.


Standings - stage

1.Wout van Aert (Jumbo Visma) 5:04:22

2.Julian Alaphilippe (Deceuninck Quick-Step) s.t.

3.Michael Woods (Israel Start-up Nation) +0.01

4.Mikkel Frolich Honore (Deceuninck Quick-Step) +0.04

5.Ethan Hayer (Ineos Grenadiers) +0.08

15.Oli Stockwell (GB) +0.41


Standings - GC

1.Wout van Aert (Jumbo Visma) 14:44:49

2.Ethan Hayer (Ineos Grenadiers) +0.02

3.Julian Alaphilippe (Deceuninck Quick-Step) +0.11

4.Mikkel Frolich Honore (Deceuninck Quick-Step) +0.21

5.Michael Woods (Israel Start-up Nation) +0.40

35.Oli Stockwell (GB) +5.51


Next - stage five

A chance for the sprinters perhaps as a lumpy course round Cheshire ends in a flat run to Warrington.

Herts Advertiser: The profile of stage five of the 2021 Tour of Britain from Alderley Park to Warrington.The profile of stage five of the 2021 Tour of Britain from Alderley Park to Warrington. (Image: Tour of Britain)

Prediction

It has to be a sprint this one and if Mark Cavendish has any plans to win a stage of this year's race, then this could be one.

The problem is his team have done a lot of work to protect Julian Alaphilippe and Mikkel Frolich Honore in the GC and may fancy a day off so he might be waiting until Aberdeen.

Wout van Aert and Ethan Hayter may have eyes on bonus seconds but I can see a breakaway making it as the big boys settle for a stalemate.


Recap

Stage one: Oli Stockwell stars as Wout van Aert takes opening win

Stage two: Robin Carpenter takes win and overall lead

Stage three: Ineos Grenadiers in charge with team time trial win