Germany's Erik Zabel dominated a keenly contested sprint finish to win Tuesday's fourth stage of the Tour of Spain in Caceres. The Milram sprinter held off Norwegian rival Thor Hushovd at the end of the 135km stage from Almendralejo.
But Credit Agricole rider Hushovd, who was second for the third straight day, retained the race leader's gold jersey.
The victory was 36-year-old Zabel's sixth career stage win in the race and he moves up to second overall.
"It's a special day after a long time of not having won anything," said the German rider of his three-year victory drought.
Stage result
1. Erik Zabel (Ger/Milram ) 3:24:46"
2. Thor Hushovd (Nor/Credit Agricole ) same time
3. Jean-Patrick Nazon (Fra/AG2R ) s.t.
4. Stuart O'Grady (Aus/Team CSC ) s.t.
5. Francisco Ventoso (Sp/Saunier Duval ) s.t.
6. Bernhard Eisel (Aut/Francaise des Jeux ) s.t.
7. Andre Greipel (Ger/T-Mobile ) s.t.
8. Paolo Bettini (Ita/Quick-Step ) s.t.
9. Robbie McEwen (Aus/Davitamon - Lotto ) s.t.
10. Luca Paolini (Ita/Liquigas ) s.t.
General Classification
1. Thor Hushovd (Nor/Credit Agricole ) 7:51:34"
2. Erik Zabel (Ger/Milram ) +7"
3. Paolo Bettini (Ita/Quick-Step ) +14"
4. Stuart O'Grady (Aus/Team CSC ) +19"
5. Lars Bak (Den/Team CSC ) s.t.
6. Kurt-Asle Arvesen (Nor/Team CSC ) s.t.
7. Nicki Sorensen (Den/Team CSC ) s.t.
8. Marcus Ljungqvist (Swe/Team CSC ) s.t.
9. Carlos Sastre (Spa/Team CSC ) s.t.
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