Menchov is second in the overall standings after four stages

Levi Leipheimer of the United States took over as overall race leader after finishing in third.

Menchov won a tight duel after a long attack by Portuguese rider Jose Azevedo was hauled back on the upper slopes of the daunting Ventoux.

British rider Bradley Wiggins was 55th and is 53rd in the overall standings.

Menchov said: "It was a tough sprint - but what matters is who comes first."

Stage Four results:
1. Denis Menchov (Russia/Rabobank) four hours 50 minutes 37 seconds
2. Christophe Moreau (France/AG2R) ST
3. Levi Leipheimer (US/Gerolsteiner) +15"
4. Jose Azevedo (Portugal/Discovery Channel) +29"
5. Sylvain Chavanel (France/Cofidis) +54"
6. Bernhard Kohl (Austria/T-Mobile)
7. Francisco Mancebo (Spain/AG2R) +1:04"
8. Sergio Paulinho (Portugal/Wuerth) +1:15"
9. Pietro Caucchioli (Italy/Credit Agricole) +1:19"
10. Maxim Iglinskiy (Kazakhstan/Milram) +1:30"
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55. Bradley Wiggins (GB/Cofidis) +9:22"

General classification:
1. Levi Leipheimer (US/Gerolsteiner) 15:47:13"
2. Denis Menchov (Russia/Rabobank) +28"
3. Philippe Gilbert (Belgium/Francaise des Jeux) +1:08"
4. Jose Azevedo (Portugal/Discovery Channel) +1:47"
5. Christophe Moreau (France/AG2R) +1:48"
6. Sylvain Chavanel (France/Cofidis) +2:08"
7. Francisco Mancebo (Spain/AG2R) +2:10"
8. Bernhard Kohl (Austria/T-Mobile) +2:20"
9. Sergio Paulinho (Portugal/Wuerth) +3:00"
10. George Hincapie (US/Discovery Channel) +3:02"
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53. Bradley Wiggins (GB/Cofidis) +11:45