Around 2500 metres of climbing were on the programme for the 4th stage of Paris-Nice. However, the riders were particularly affected by the rain and wind on this section. The result was a chaotic race day with a large leading group, several crashes and changes in the overall classification. Jonas Vingegaard (Team Visma | Lease a Bike) took the day's victory after 195 kilometres between Bourges and Uchon. Second place went to Daniel Martinez (+0:41 minutes) ahead of Mick van Dijke (+0:24 minutes, both Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe).

The final stage was characterised in particular by the offensive riding style of Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe and the retirement of Juan Ayuso (Lidl-Trek). The Spaniard had to abandon the stage in the yellow jersey after a crash.

Georg Steinhauser moves up to third place in the rankings

The last test of the stage was the final climb to the stage finish in Uchon. Although the short climb only had an average gradient of 4.5 per cent, it contained ramps with gradients of up to 16 per cent. In the final kilometres, Vingegaard pulled away from his companions Martinez and van Dijke. Previously, Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe had initiated a seven-man lead group with 45 kilometres to go, which included five riders from the team.

Georg Steinhauser (+2:45 minutes, EF Education - EasyPost) secured a strong fifth place at the mountain top finish. Steinhauser moved up to third place in the overall classification (+2:53 minutes) and took the lead in the young rider classification. The new overall leader is now Vingegaard, followed by Martinez (+0:30 minutes). The field of contenders for victory has basically shrunk to two riders within one day.

Paris-Nice 2026 - Results of the 4th stage

How the 4th stage of Paris-Nice 2026 went

After just a few kilometres, the peloton split up in the rain. From then on, 38 riders formed a leading group that determined the rest of the race. Among them were favourites such as Jonas Vingegaard (Team Visma | Lease a Bike), Daniel Martinez (Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe), Oscar Onley (INEOS Grenadiers), Brandon McNulty (UAE Team Emirates - XRG) and the man in yellow, Juan Ayuso (Lidl - Trek). Not represented at the front: Kevin Vauquelin (INEOS Grenadiers), in second place in the classification before the stage.

The three climbs of the stage only came in the second half, but the race was already underway earlier. The peloton did not let the leading group go at first, so that the gap did not rise above one minute. A few crashes also contributed to the confusion: Bert Van Lerberghe (Soudal Quick-Step) and Dan Hoole (Decathlon CMA CGM Team), among others, had to abandon the race early. Onley also crashed at one point, but was brought back to the leading group by his team-mate Josh Tarling.

Juan Ayuso has to give up round trip

Even after 100 kilometres, the gap between the leading group and the peloton was only one minute. Later, Vauquelin and a few others tried to close this gap, but in the wind and rain the group was unable to get to the front.

On the Côte de la Croix des Cerisiers (category 3), Mick van Dijke (Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe) secured the mountain points 56 kilometres before the finish. Shortly afterwards, another crash occurred 47 kilometres from the finish, involving Nils Politt and McNulty (both UAE Team Emirates) as well as overall leader Ayuso. The Spaniard initially continued his ride, but then had to abandon the tour with a pained face.

Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe goes on the offensive

Almost at the same time, a new lead group formed with five riders from Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe, including the brothers Mick and Tim van Dijke, Callum Thornley, Nico Denz and Martinez. Only Mathias Vacek (Lidl-Trek) and Vingegaard joined the attack. Due to the strength of the Red Bull team, the group built up a lead of one minute, which steadily increased. In the meantime, Vacek dropped back, and later Thornley and Denz as well due to the pace work.

The quartet around Vingegaard and the three remaining Bora riders reached the Côte de la Croix de la Libération (category 2) together 23 kilometres before the finish, where Mick van Dijke once again secured the points. At this point, he was the soloist in the chase. Behind them, the peloton rolled back up to the rest of the leading group. However, the gap was already three minutes - and continued to grow on the final climb.